American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch also called Spinus tristis, is a small, bright and beautiful bird that is present throughout the United States of America and other parts of North America. Quite a common bird, American Goldfinch in bright yellow plumage, flies through meadows, fields, or backyards in summer. In this article, they will be discussing the field identification, diet, habitat as well as the behavioral aspect of the American Goldfinch so that the lovers of birds and other ornithologists may better understand the life cycle of this wonderful creation. a
Field Identification of the American Goldfinch
It is always a great pleasure for bird watchers knowing that they are dealing with the American Goldfinch when it comes to identifying its physical characteristics. In the mating season, the males are brightly colored, yellow in color while their heads, wings and tail are black. The black wings are edged in white while the rest of this bird is black making the male American Goldfinch quite unique. During other periods of the year other than the breeding season the coat of the male bird turns to olive-brown making it easier to blend in with the trees during the autumn and winter seasons.
Males are however more brightly colored having bright yellow and brown feathers all year round while females are dully yellow and brown all through. Juvenile American Goldfinches are similar in appearance to female but overall even more plain in color; in spring and summer sexes gradually become more vivid.
The American Goldfinch has a short, conical beak which is perfect for a diet of seeds, and is the same for both male and female of the species. The other aspects include their beaks, their flight pattern wherein they fly in a wave like formation, flying low then they rise again in another low rise pattern.
American Goldfinch Diet
It is reported that the American Goldfinch has a granivorous diet which is an aliment of seeds. It mainly applies to its diet and as such determines most of its behaviors and chose of habitat. Thistle and sunflower seeds are favourite and the goldfinch may be seen hanging on to the stem and pulling seeds out of the heads. This characteristic makes it easier for the two species to manipulate small seeds, which from the requirements of the two, form the larger part of their diet all through the year.
In other parts of the year, probably during breeding, the American Goldfinch feed on insects but these take a very small proportion of its diet. This extra protein source is especially wanted in feeding the chicks as they grow up. They are even unique in their breeding season which is later compared to most birds due to the fact that most plants such as thistle produce seeds at this time of the year.
Goldfinches can also be seen at feeders in backyards that especially love nyjer (thistle) and sunflower seeds. These seeds can be placed in feeders thus assisting in the attraction of these colorful birds towards your garden giving you the opportunity to observe their feeding habits.
Habitat and Distribution of the American Goldfinch
There is very little data available on specific population sizes of the American Goldfinch, mainly because they can be found across a huge spectrum of North America ecosystems. These birds mostly prefer grasslands and forests, agricultural fields, flood plains and areas with overloaded with seeds. They are also commonly seen in suburban regions especially in gardens and parks offering them food and habitation.
Non-migratory American Goldfinches from the northern states travel southwards, that is, when winter approaches. These migrations are not very extensive; more often, they go far enough for a source of food during the unfavourable winter season. While populations in the southern parts of the migratory pathway behave as residents which do not migrate in the year.
This bird has also been known to prefer habitat type that has abundant foods hence one of the reasons why the American Goldfinch has selected this particular habitat. They prefer places where one may find thistle, dandelion and other members of composite family. This preference for specific plants is in a way that their existence is usuall=y an evidence of healthy plant diversities.
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
The breeding behavior of the American Goldfinch is interesting for one reason, and that is, it breeds later in the season than most of the songbirds of North America. Breeding commonly starts in mid June or mid July, by which time birds of many other species would have already completed the rearing of their young ones. This is done in such a way that it coincides with the plenty of Seeds on the ground hence providing food for the chicks.
The American Goldfinches create their nests in shrubs or small trees with the height range of 3 to 10 feet most preferable. The nests are well constructed also they are made from plant fibers, silk of spiders, and other sparse ply materials in such a way that they form strong but elastic structures. Female is mainly responsible for the nest construction, the structure of which is composed of twigs and other materials including down from the seeds of thistle.
Female lays 4 to 6 pale blue eggs and these eggs takes about two weeks for her to hatch. It is particularly the male and female that tends to feed on the chicks once they are hatched Foraging for food is done and the parents ensure that the chicks are fed with seeds constantly. :The chicks fledge when they are between eleven to seventeen days old but often the young birds are still fed by the parents for some more days after they have left the nest.
Behavior and Social Structure
The American Goldfinch bird is a social creature, and people can observe this bird in groups of up to 10-30 birds, apart from mating season. It is most manifested in feeding themselves, where the humpback whales may feed in groups at feeding grounds or involve in feeding in the ocean. In winter if the weather is severe there may be a mass roost of goldfinches and other finch species looking for food.
Based on the observation, gold finches are always playful and more often than not they are observed to feed by hanging upside down on branches or any existing seed heads. Their flight too is unique flying low and in a zig-zag manner, a flight call typically described as ‘a succession of loud clear whistles followed by song ‘per-chik-o-ree’.
Conservation Status
According to the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species, the American Goldfinch is at present classified as a Least Concern species- meaning that the bird is not currently on the brink of decline. This must be attributed to a large ranging of habitats and a large stable population number. But like any other form of wildlife American Goldfinches are vulnerable to threats like habitat loss and change in the environment. Efforts to preserve ground- nesting areas, use native seed-bearing plants to contribute to seed production and avoiding extensive use of pesticides contribute toward continued existence of these evanescent birds.
Attracting American Goldfinches to Your Garden
Here are some plants which can be planted to lure the American Goldfinches into the garden: seeds such as the sunflower seeds, coneflower seeds or thistle seeds. Nyjer or Sunflower seeds can also be offered to the feeders to attract these birds in your yard. Make certain that their garden is safe from predators and has enough places for the birds to perch on and no chemicals which will harm the birds.
Conclusion
The American Goldfinch is a captivating bird that brings a splash of color to any landscape. Whether observed in the wild or in your backyard, its lively behavior and vibrant plumage make it a favorite among birdwatchers. Understanding their diet, habitat, and breeding habits can enhance your appreciation of these beautiful birds and help you create an environment that supports their presence year-round.
