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American Goldfinch

Carduelis tristis

Photo by Dan Doucette
Published on Project Noah
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43.1594, -79.2469

Field Notes

Description:

This is a female. The American Goldfinch is a small finch, 11–13 centimeters (4–5 in) long, with a wingspan of 19–22 centimeters (7–9 in). It weighs between 11–20 grams (0.39–0.71 oz). The beak is small, conical, and pink for most of the year, but turns bright orange with the spring molt in both sexes. The shape and size of the beak aid in the extraction of seeds from the seed heads of thistles, sunflowers, and other plants.

Habitat:

temperate forest

Notes:

I spotted this at Short Hills Provincial Park. It was in a small tree just off the trail. I was surprised at how close it let me get to it. These photos were taken with my 60mm macro lens.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (5)

yes dan sure looks like a female American Goldfinch
Get lots of those here in the Poconos of PA. Love to hear their song. Acrobatic too...we watch them feed upside down on feeders made just for them.
take a look at Female American Goldfinches

Spotted for Missions

Photographed
PublishedAugust 22, 2011

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