The American Goldfinch is a familiar sight across much of North America. They are year-round residents in most of the Midwest and Eastern US, are friendly, don’t mind people, love backyard gardens and readily come to feeders and birdbaths.November 16, 2013 2:22 am
The American Goldfinch is a familiar sight across much of North America. They are year-round residents in most of the Midwest and Eastern US, are friendly, don’t mind people, love backyard gardens and readily come to feeders and birdbaths.
The males are bright yellow and black in the summer with the females a more subdued color. In the winter they are both a drab, dull, grayish brown.
I’ve often wondered why some birds molt into brilliant breeding plumage and other do not. Turns out there isn’t a simple answer and it varies by species. The goldfinch, though, is an exception to its own species rule. They are the only finch that molts, or completely replaces its feathers, twice a year. Other finches, such as the House Finch and Purple Finch, only molt once a year and retain the same coloring year round.
I have noticed that their change in plumage often matches their natural food source. In autumn, the flowers turn brown and so do the goldfinches. A few weeks ago a flock of about 50 goldfinches filled the prairie, flitting among the dying Coneflower and Goldenrod, munching on seeds.
An interesting note, goldfinches are vegetarians and only eat seeds. If they do eat an insect it’s probably by accident. A sure way to attract goldfinches to your backyard is to put up a thistle feeder.
The photo above is Yellow Coneflower growing in my backyard. There is a male goldfinch in there eating seeds. I saw him fly in but if I wasn’t watching I may not have noticed him. I’m sure there is an evolutionary reason more complex than just camouflage, but it is convenient for them that they can hide in plain sight.
Saturday Snapshot was originated by Alyce at At Home With Books. For the summer it will be hosted by Melinda of West Metro Mommy. Visit her blog to see more great photos or add your own.
© 2013 Under My Apple Tree. All rights reserved.
Posted by Leslie
Categories: Saturday Snapshot, Weekend Birding
Tags: American Goldfinch, Birds, Photography, Photos
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Between you and Louise I learn so much about birds on Saturday Snapshot each week 🙂
I had no idea that some birds had completely different plumage depending on the time of the year.
I love the story you told with this week’s photos – fascinating.
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By Brona on November 16, 2013 at 2:53 am
Great photos. I love the way they are camouflaged in the photos. I have also noticed the goldfinches are one of the few birds that I sometimes see squished in the road. They must be a little slower than other birds. Here’s Mine
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By Paulita on November 16, 2013 at 6:26 am
How Beautiful!! I love bird and flower photos! Have a great weekend!
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By brokencookiesdontcount on November 16, 2013 at 6:29 am
Isn’t he gorgeous! I’ve put that on my wish list. I love the camouflage.
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By Louise on November 16, 2013 at 7:00 am
I had no idea that birds molted to change colors like that. Thanks for the wonderful photos and the education.
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By BermudaOnion on November 16, 2013 at 8:54 am
Beautiful pictures! I may have to consider putting a thistle feeder up! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your lovely photos. Here’s my week’s photos: http://wp.me/p2NsIj-17r if you’d like to see them.
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By Juli D. Revezzo on November 16, 2013 at 9:36 am
Incredible pictures as always!
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By Sheila (Book Journey) on November 16, 2013 at 10:01 am
Oh my gosh, Leslie … all of those photos are wonderful captures!
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By Beth Hoffman on November 16, 2013 at 10:12 am
I’d consider it a rare delight if I got the pic of a goldfinch, which I did only twice this summer, having had to hunt for them. Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos.
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By Arti on November 16, 2013 at 10:22 am
Great snapshots! I enjoy watching these birds too!
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By Peggy@Peggy Ann's Post on November 16, 2013 at 10:24 am
Fun photos — spotting the bird among the flowers and foliage is an interesting game.
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By joyweesemoll on November 16, 2013 at 11:29 am
that is a lovely photo with the finch set against the yellow backdrop.
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By Esme Cococroissants on November 16, 2013 at 12:40 pm
I love watching goldfinches. I am attracted to their bright yellow color. So happy!
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By Judy B on November 16, 2013 at 12:52 pm
Those are some gorgeous goldfinch photos! Brilliant gold color.
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By Sue on November 16, 2013 at 2:00 pm
It is amazing how well they blend. I always loved the “goldfinch” and the book by Tartt is awesome as well:0
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By Diane@BibliophilebytheSea on November 16, 2013 at 5:54 pm
Took me quite a while to spot the goldfinch in the cone flowers. I do love cone flowers. I think it must be my bed time.
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By Ginny on November 16, 2013 at 6:23 pm
Your snapshots are extraordinary! So beautiful!! 🙂
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By Suko on November 16, 2013 at 7:09 pm
Cool comment on physical adaptations …
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By Susan on November 16, 2013 at 8:47 pm