American Goldfinch
by Janette Boyd
Title
American Goldfinch
Artist
Janette Boyd
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Photo taken of American Goldfinch, eating a sunflower seed in winter, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis), also known as the Eastern Goldfinch, is a small North American bird in the finch family. It is migratory, ranging from mid-Alberta to North Carolina during the breeding season, and from just south of the Canadian border to Mexico during the winter. The only finch in its subfamily that undergoes a complete molt, the American Goldfinch displays sexual dimorphism in its coloration; the male is a vibrant yellow in the summer and an olive color during the winter months, while the female is a dull yellow-brown shade which brightens only slightly during the summer. The male displays brightly colored plumage during the breeding season to attract a mate.
The American Goldfinch is a granivore and adapted for the consumption of seedheads, with a conical beak to remove the seeds and agile feet to grip the stems of seedheads while feeding. It is a social bird, and will gather in large flocks while feeding and migrating. It may behave territorially during nest construction, but this aggression is short-lived. Its breeding season is tied to the peak of food supply, beginning in late July, which is relatively late in the year for a finch. This species is generally monogamous, and produces one brood each year.
Human activity has generally benefited the American Goldfinch. It is often found in residential areas, attracted to bird feeders which increase its survival rate in these areas. Deforestation also creates open meadow areas which are its preferred habitat.
Uploaded
January 4th, 2014
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Viewed 167 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 04/20/2024 at 6:07 PM
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Comments (7)
Debbie Portwood
The are so sweet! I only had one visit my feeder a couple of yrs ago, I think he was lost. Only saw him that day and never again! f/love
Janette Boyd
Thank you, Mariola, for featuring the little American Goldfinch in your group, "Wildlife One a Day".
Randy Rosenberger
One of my fave avians, Janette, as we have many in our feeders during the summer months, and I love their color, and their flight is awesome. This is really a neat shot! It is a true honor and privilege to FEATURE this creative and wondrous piece of art work on the WFS site, from one of our honored and prestigious members. This awesome piece of beauty is what we are looking for to promote and let others see, including other artists and potential customers, as your works are some of the Best of the Best in my Book! Thanks much for sharing this beauty with us. Liked Forever, Elvis