Carduelis tristis
The American Goldfinch is a bright, cheery songbird that is commonly seen during summer in weedy fields, roadsides and backyards, where it often feeds on thistle seeds. It swings over fields in its distinctive undulating flight, filling the air with its jubilant po-ta-to-chip call. The male's black cap and wings separate it from the other yellow birds that are also mistakenly called 'wild canaries.' The American Goldfinch, the state bird of Washington, delays nesting until June to ensure a dependable source of thistles and dandelion seeds to feed its young. The scientific name tristis, Latin for 'sad,' refers to the goldfinch's voice. It is an awful tribute to this pleasing and playful bird. |
I.D.: Breeding male: black forehead, wings and tail; bright yellow body; white wing bars, undertail coverts and tail base; orange bill and legs. Non-breeding male: olive-brown back; yellow-tinged head; gray underparts. Female: yellow-green upperparts; yellow throat and breast; yellow-green belly. Size: L 41/2-51/2 in. (11-14 cm). Range: uncommon to common migrant and summer resident in Glacier and Waterton Lakes NPs; uncommon migrant and summer resident elsewhere in the Rockies. Habitat: open forests, fields, meadows, roadsides, townsites and agricultural areas up to the montane. Nesting: in a fork in a shrub or dense bush; cup nest is tightly woven with plant fibers, grass and spider silk and lined with fur; female incubates 4-6 eggs for 10-12 days. Feeding: gleans vegetation for thistle, birch and alder seeds, as well as for insects, berries and the seeds of many other plants; commonly visits feeding stations outside the Rockies. Voice: calls are po-ta-to-chip (often delivered in flight) and dear-me, see-me; song is varied and long, with trills, twitters and sibilant notes. Similar Species: Evening Grosbeak: much larger; massive bill. Wilson's Warbler: greenish wings without wing bars; thin bill. Lesser Goldfinch: yellow undertail coverts; dark legs and bill. |
