November 16, 2013 / Leslie

Weekend Birding: Goldfinch Plumage

American Goldfinch, Birds, Photography, Photos

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.

Autumn

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.

Summer

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.