The American Goldfinch, also known as the Eastern Goldfinch or simply the "Goldfinch," is a small but vibrant bird that is a common sight in backyard bird feeders and gardens across the United States. But did you know that there's more to this little bird than meets the eye? Here are seven little-known facts about American Goldfinches that may surprise you:
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American Goldfinches are one of the only birds that can change color. Male Goldfinches sport a bright yellow plumage during the summer, but in the winter, their feathers turn a duller olive-green color. This change in color is due to a shift in diet - during the summer, the birds eat mostly seeds, while in the winter they eat mostly buds and twigs.
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American Goldfinches are known for their beautiful and distinctive song, which is often described as a "perch-a-wee" or "potato-chip" call. But you may know that only the males sing. And they only sing during the breeding season?
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American Goldfinches are also known for their acrobatic flying abilities. They are able to fly upside down, and often do so while foraging for food or during courtship displays.
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American Goldfinches are a type of finch, and like other finches, they have cone-shaped bills that are perfect for cracking open seeds. But did you know that the shape of the bill can also change with the seasons? In the winter, the bill becomes shorter and thicker, making it easier for the birds to crack open tough buds and twigs.
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American Goldfinches are known for their love of sunflower seeds, but in the wild, their diet consists mostly of thistle seeds. They are one of the few bird species that can eat and digest thistle seeds.
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American Goldfinches are highly social birds, often forming flocks with other American goldfinches and even other species such as Pine Siskins, Purple Finches, and Common Redpolls.
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American Goldfinch males tend to live longer than females, thus there are estimated to be three males for every two females.
The American Goldfinch may be a small and common bird, but it is also a bird with many interesting and unique traits. Goldfinches are an all time favorite among birdwatchers. Next time you see one at your bird feeder, take a moment to appreciate this wonderful feathered friend.
-Remy D Birdman