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American Goldfinch

Carduelis tristis

Photo by LauraFrazier
Published on Project Noah
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39.2816, -77.993

Field Notes

Description:

Also known as the Eastern Goldfinch and Wild Canary, the American Goldfinch is a small North American bird in the finch family. The only finch in its subfamily which undergoes a complete molt, the American Goldfinch displays sexual dimorphism in its coloration; the male is a vibrant yellow in the summer and an olive color during the winter months, while the female is a dull yellow-brown shade which brightens only slightly during the summer. The male displays brightly colored plumage during the breeding season to attract a mate.

Habitat:

The American Goldfinch prefers open country where weeds thrive, such as fields, meadows, flood plains, as well as roadsides, orchards, and gardens. It may also be found in open deciduous and riparian woodlands and areas of secondary growth. This habitat preference continues during the spring and autumn migrations.

Notes:

With the colder weather we've had lately, lots of birds are visiting my feeders now! I love all the colorful birds that come to feed!

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (2)

Beautiful capture :) Is it dawn or dusk light?

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