Spring Migration Arrival: American Goldfinch
- Terry Wise
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
As spring approaches, one of nature's most delightful events at Carillon Stonegate Pond is the return of the American Goldfinch. The American Goldfinch, often nicknamed the "Wild Canary," graces our landscapes with its striking sunflower-yellow plumage and melodious songs. From the wildflowers on the shores of our ponds, these lovely birds bring a burst of color and energy and the music of Spring, heralding the renewal and vitality of Carillon Stonegate Pond that the season embodies.
Identification: The male American goldfinch, also known as the "Wild Canary", has two seasonal colorations. During breeding season (April to mid-September), males are bright sunflower yellow with a black forehead spot, black wings with white bars, and white-edged tail feathers. Outside of this period, males have a dull greenish-yellow plumage. Female American goldfinches have olive-yellow bodies and black wings with two white bars during summer, without the black forehead spot. In winter, both sexes resemble the female's summer coloration but with a grayer tint. The American Goldfinch is small, averaging 4½ inches in length, an 8-inch wingspan, and weighing about ½ ounce.
Habitat at Carillon Stonegate Pond: Seasonally, you will find American Goldfinch here from spring to fall. They will typically be seen around the shoreline of our ponds where sunflowers and other wetland plants grow.
Flight patterns: The American Goldfinch flies in a bouncy, undulating roller coaster-like motion. This is called "Flap-Bounding" where short bursts of flapping are alternated with intervals in which the wings are folded against the body. And they will call out the notes of their song at each dip as it flies along.
Behavior: The American Goldfinch is an acrobat when feeding. It clings to Sweet Joe Pye Weed’s flowers and extracts seeds, often hanging head down from large sunflower heads or Tall Coreopsis around Carillon Stonegate Pond. Their dexterity lets them access food sources other birds cannot.
Diet: The American Goldfinch is the strictest of vegetarians - or more specifically granivorous. The goldfinch primarily feeds on seeds, particularly those of the dandelion, sunflower, thistle, birch and sweet gum. Think of sunflowers. Think bright yellow. Think American Goldfinch color. These are all connected!
Residence: American Goldfinches may be found in open woodlands, weedy fields and open wetlands and floodplains. They prefer a habitat that is open with shrubs, trees and plants – hence, Carillon Stonegate Pond! They are also common in suburbs, parks, farms and backyards.
Breeding and Nesting: While robins, cardinals, and doves have already raised a brood and may even be starting on a second one in July, American Goldfinches are just starting to nest. The reason? The American Goldfinch uses thistle down, which isn't available until mid-summer, to construct its nest. The nest is located 8 to 20 feet above ground in a shrub or tree.
Migration: Irregular migration habits. More remain in the North in winter if there are good food supplies. In northern Illinois, peak migration is usually mid-fall and early spring, but some linger south of nesting range into late spring or early summer. They migrate mostly during the day.
Conservation status: There is low concern. According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, American Goldfinch populations have declined slightly throughout their range over the last several decades. Partners in Flight estimate a global breeding population at 44 million.
Vocalizations: It is classified into the songbird category, due to its peculiar but distinct style of chirping. They often sing a familiar bright trill that sounds like "per-chik-o-ree" or "ti-dee-dy-dy". This song is delivered in flight and coincides with each undulation of their up and down roller coaster flying pattern. Here is a link to the sounds of the American Goldfinch.
Interesting Facts:
American Goldfinch is the state bird of New Jersey, Iowa, and Washington (Illinois is the Cardinal).
Male American Goldfinches are known for their brilliant yellow color, which is produced by pigments in the seeds and plant materials of their diet.
American Goldfinches are monogamous and breed later in the summer than most other North American birds as they do not nest until June or July.
These are the only birds in their family to undergo a complete molting process twice a year; once in late winter, and then in late summer.
Goldfinches usually binge on food and gain considerable weight during or prior to a storm (so if you see them binging, start your own preparations for stormy weather!).
German immigrants familiar with the Old Word songbirds dubbed the American Goldfinch the "wild canary”.
The oldest known American Goldfinch was nearly 11 years old.
For more information on the American Goldfinch and sources of information used in this blog (these are the sources that I am using to learn as I blog), please visit All About Birds and Audubon Society. And the Cornell Lab of Ornithology provides a wonderful source of information for anyone interested in learning more about birds.
We all benefit from the variety of wetland, forest, and prairie environments that support diverse wildlife, plants, and insects of Carillon Stonegate Pond.
Take a hike and see what you can find – and identify!
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