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American goldfinch, male

Spinus tristis

Photo by Maria dB
Published on Project Noah
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35.9132, -79.0558

Field Notes

Description:

This is the only finch in its subfamily that undergoes a complete molt. The male is a vibrant yellow in the summer and an olive color during the winter months. The male displays brightly colored plumage during the breeding season to attract a mate.

Habitat:

Mason Farm Biological Reserve

Notes:

One of a courting pair

Reference Links:

American Goldfinch, American Goldfinch, Identification, All About Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
Maria dB
Thank you, KrantiAzad, emilianog1 and martinv1!
Maria dB
Thanks for your nice comments, Gerardo, Jacob, Rieko and Jerry. This bird's colors were indeed striking; I first spotted them pretty far away because his plumage stood out so strikingly against the foliage. He was gorgeous!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Birds of the Southeast U.S.
Mission
Birds of the World
Mission
Animals of North Carolina
Mission
Mason Farm Biological Reserve
Mission
2013 Best Wildlife Photo

Tags

Photographed
PublishedApril 27, 2013

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