Introducing Gordie, the American Goldfinch

In this blog we will discuss one of our backyard birding favorites; the American Goldfinch.

Male American Goldfinch in Summer or breeding plumage — A bright yellow male American Goldfinch

Meet Gordie the American Goldfinch and His Family: the tiny, bright yellow, friendly little birds at your Backyard Feeders

If you’ve ever noticed this tiny, but bright yellow and black bird in your backyard, you’ve likely been lucky enough to spot an American Goldfinch. Our resident male American Goldfinch, Gordie, visits our yard nearly every single day, often bringing his family along with him to brighten up our days.

An American Goldfinch enjoys fresh Safflower seed on a rainy Summer afternoon — A male American Goldfinch enjoys Safflower seed from a tube feeder

American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis) are known for their beautiful seasonal transformations, where they will turn from a mild brownish yellow to an incredible bright yellow. I tend to look at the seasonal colors like the difference between Grey Poupon mustard (winter plumage) and French's Yellow Mustard (Spring/Summer plumage). Take a look at the photos below in the rest of this blog and you'll see what I mean!

American Goldfinches eat Thistle from a hanging sock feeder in Winter — A pair of American Goldfinches eat Thistle from a Sock feeder

Gordie's Bright Summer Colors

In the warmer months, Gordie, like most male American Goldfinches, wears a vibrant yellow plumage with contrasting black wings and cap, making him stand out among backyard birds. This bold coloration serves two purposes: it attracts female mates and helps males like him establish their territory. American Goldfinches, including Gordie, are among the few bird species that undergo a full molt twice a year, which means they shed old feathers and grow new ones to prepare for different seasons.

Duller Tones in Winter

As winter approaches, Gordie and other male goldfinches lose their bright yellow feathers, blending into their surroundings with muted, olive-brown tones. This seasonal change is crucial for survival, as it allows them to camouflage from predators when food is scarcer and trees have shed their leaves. Female American Goldfinches and juvenile birds also adopt a more subdued color palette during winter, making Gordie and his family look quite different from their summertime selves.

A fledgling male American Goldfinch visits with his parents — A fledgling male American Goldfinch perches above a bird feeder

How to Attract Goldfinches to Your Backyard

If you’re hoping to welcome birds like Gordie and his family to your own backyard, consider providing their favorite food—Nyjer seeds and black oil sunflower seeds, and Safflower seed as well—in feeders specifically designed for small birds. American Goldfinches are drawn to these seeds, and a dedicated goldfinch feeder with small holes will help keep squirrels and larger birds from eating the seeds. (Please Note: We have shared a couple of links to feeders down 👇 below the main blog content)

Male American Goldfinch perching on a metal rod — A bright American Goldfinch male perches above a hummingbird feeder in the morning light

Will American Goldfinches visit a bird bath?

American Goldfinches will visit bird baths frequently for drinks of water. Additionally, on hot Summer days they will sometimes dive in and take a full bath as well! They look like little rubber duckies splashing around in their respective pool! We are huge proponents of keeping a bird bath, or even multiple bird baths clean and available for all of our feathered friends.

Enhancing the Birdwatching Experience

To truly enjoy the beauty of American Goldfinches all year round, investing in a quality pair of binoculars and a bird-watching guidebook is essential. Here are some helpful product links to affiliate products that will be sure to enhance your bird-watching experience:

Birds of West Cobb