American Goldfinch

Want to bring this sunny flier into your yard? It's simple. All you have to do is offer the right type of seed. Learn how to attract the American goldfinch, and listen to its song.

Photo: Roland Jordahl

• Scientific Name: Carduelis tristis.
• Family: Finch.
• Length: 5 inches.
• Wingspan: 9 inches.
• Distinctive Markings: In spring and summer, males are bright yellow with black wings, tail and forehead. Females are a duller yellow with white wing bars. In winter, both males and females are olive brown with wing bars.
• Nest: Cup-shaped nest, lined with thistle or milkweed down. Lays four to six pale-blue eggs.
• Song: Melodic flight call, "per-chick-o-ree, per-chick-o-ree." Courtship son is a canary-like sweet song, rising and falling.
• Habitat: Open areas like yards, fields, fencerows and groves.
• Diet: Seeds and berries.
• Backyard Favorites: Supply nyjer (thistle) in a tube feeder with multiple ports, or in a nylon stocking.