The state bird of New Jersey, Iowa, and Washington, this charming little finch is a welcome and frequent visitor to feeders where it primarily eats sunflower and nyjer. Goldfinches frequently congregate with Common Redpolls and Pine Siskins. Males in the spring are brilliant yellow, shiny black, and partly white. All winter birds, including females, are duller in appearance but can be distinguished by their wingbars, conical bill, and pointed, notched tail. They have an oddly patchy appearance when they molt.

Plant native thistles and other composite plants, as well as native milkweed, to attract goldfinches to your yard. American Goldfinches are attracted to almost any type of bird feeder, including hopper, platform, and hanging feeders, and they don’t mind feeders that sway in the wind. American Goldfinches will also happily feed on the ground beneath feeders, eating spilled seeds. Sunflower seed and nyjer are their favorite foods.

photo credit: Lenny Frieling

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