The American Goldfinch is a welcome sight in backyards across North America. With their bright yellow plumage and cheerful, twittering song, they’re a favorite of birdwatchers and casual observers alike.
But what do goldfinch eat? Well, if you want to attract them to your yard, you’ll need to stock up on seeds! Unlike many birds, goldfinches rely almost entirely on seeds throughout their lives, even when feeding their young.
This article explores the specific types of seeds and other food sources that make up the American Goldfinch’s diet, offering tips on how to provide them with a healthy and balanced menu.
Where to find American goldfinches
If you want to attract goldfinches to your yard, you’ll need to know where they live and the kind of environment they prefer.
Range
The American goldfinch is common throughout North America. Its presence varies from region to region, but it’s a widespread bird that you may spot in many different areas.
Habitat
Goldfinches like semi-open spaces with trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses. Weedy fields, roadsides, and backyards with the right vegetation are all places where goldfinches thrive.
Identifying the American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a small, cheerful-looking bird with a distinctive appearance.
Male
During breeding season, the male sports bright yellow feathers, black wings and tail, and a vivid orange bill. The intensity of his colors is thought to signal his health and desirability to potential mates.
Female
Females are a more subdued yellow or greenish-yellow compared to the males. The color of a female’s bill is thought to determine her place in the pecking order.
Immature
Young, immature goldfinches tend to be tannish or light brown, with less distinct coloring than the adult birds.
In Flight
One of the easiest ways to spot a goldfinch is to watch its flight pattern. Goldfinches have a bouncy, undulating flight that’s quite distinctive.
Basic Biology and Life History: The Seed-Eating Life Cycle
American goldfinches are fascinating birds with a life cycle closely tied to the availability of seeds. From their diet to their nesting habits, everything revolves around those tiny powerhouses of nutrition.
Diet
Goldfinches are primarily seed-eaters, and their beaks are specially adapted for extracting seeds from seed heads. They’re particularly fond of thistle (nyjer) and sunflower seeds, which is why they’re frequent visitors to backyard feeders. They also enjoy the seeds of various native wildflowers and grasses, making them an important part of the prairie ecosystem.
Pair Bonding and Mating
In the spring, male goldfinches use their bright yellow plumage to attract females. Pair bonding occurs at this time, but mating and nesting don’t begin until late summer (July-August). This late nesting season is a clever adaptation that allows them to coincide their breeding with the peak availability of seeds.
Nesting
Female goldfinches are the nest builders, creating waterproof structures made of plant fibers and, of course, thistle down. They typically lay 4-6 eggs and incubate them for about two weeks. Once the chicks hatch, both parents feed them regurgitated seeds, a high-energy food source perfect for growing birds.
Cowbird Parasitism
Cowbirds are known for their parasitic nesting behavior, laying their eggs in the nests of other birds. Fortunately, goldfinches’ late nesting season helps them avoid this fate, as cowbirds typically lay their eggs earlier in the spring.
Migration
Whether or not goldfinches migrate depends on their location and the season. Some populations are resident year-round, while others move south for the winter in search of a more reliable food supply. Even among migratory populations, the distances and patterns can vary considerably.
The “gold” standard: Favorite seeds of the American goldfinch
While a goldfinch will sample many different seeds, there are a few that are their clear favorites. Here are a few of the foods that will bring them flocking to your backyard.
Black oil sunflower seeds: A good staple
These seeds are a popular and nutritious bird food, high in oil content, which provides energy for birds. While goldfinches like them, they often prefer other types of seeds.
Nyjer (thistle) seed: The goldfinch’s delight
Also called thistle seed, nyjer seed is a favorite among goldfinches. It comes from the African yellow daisy and is high in oil and energy, making it ideal for these little finches. To keep the seeds from spilling, you’ll want to serve thistle seed in a tube feeder with tiny ports or a mesh feeder.
Other seeds and natural food sources
Goldfinches also eat seeds from native plants like coneflowers, asters, and even dandelions. To give them a treat, let the seedheads remain on the plants in your garden.
Beyond Seeds: Other Dietary Considerations
Goldfinches mostly eat seeds, but they sometimes eat other foods, too. During breeding season, they may eat small insects.
Like all living creatures, goldfinches need access to fresh water. A bird bath or shallow dish of water is a great way to attract them to your yard.
Finally, goldfinches need grit. Grit is small particles of sand or gravel that helps them digest seeds. The grit sits in their gizzards and helps to break down the seeds.
How to Attract Goldfinches
If you want to see more goldfinches, try putting up a bird feeder filled with black oil sunflower seeds or Nyjer seeds. Just be sure to clean the feeder regularly to keep the birds healthy.
Another great option is to plant native wildflowers and grasses that produce seeds. Let the flowers go to seed instead of deadheading them.
If you combine bird feeders with native plants, you’re more likely to attract goldfinches all year long.
Providing food for goldfinches throughout the year can help them thrive.
Pay attention to what the goldfinches seem to like best. Which seeds do they prefer? Adjust your offerings based on their preferences. Watching their habits can be a rewarding way to learn more about these beautiful birds.
Wrapping Up
If you want to attract goldfinches to your yard, it’s important to provide the right kinds of food. Keeping your feeders stocked with plenty of nyjer and sunflower seeds is key.
You can also create a goldfinch-friendly habitat by planting native seed-bearing plants and keeping your feeders clean. A little effort can go a long way toward supporting these beautiful birds.
Once you’ve set up the right conditions, you can sit back and enjoy watching the goldfinches flock to your feeders. Their bright colors and cheerful songs are a joy to behold.