American Goldfinch

Not many birds rank as popular with the American public as the American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis).

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Iowa (1933 Eastern Goldfinch), New Jersey (1935 Eastern Goldfinch), and Washington (1951 after a twenty three year competition with the meadowlark), designate it as their state bird.

The male American Goldfinch in the above picture provides a glimpse into the species' popularity. In breeding season male feathers turn a bright yellow and they are complimented by a black cap of feathers on the head. They are friendly seed eating birds in the Fringillidae family, welcome in most any yard across the country.

Watching American Goldfinch behavior for any length of times also provides some insight about the characteristics of other family members such as canaries, grosbeaks, redpolls and other finch species. Most are brightly colored seed eating birds.

There are also rare exceptions to the brightly colored rule. The picture below shows two pair of American Goldfinch enjoying a summer afternoon drink.

The male standing on the rock in the top right looks to be partially albino in comparison to the male standing in the water on the left side.

© 2007. Patricia A. Michaels