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American goldfinch
Jun 21, 2026 8:38 AM

  

American goldfinch1

  American goldfinch (Spinus tristis) These songbirds are native to North America, and males are known for their distinctive, bright yellow plumage that contrasts with their black tail, cap, and wings. (more) American goldfinch bird Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/animal/American-goldfinch Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

  External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Also known as: Carduelis tristis, Spinus tristis, wild canary Written by Fred Frommer Fred Frommer is a sports historian, author, and writer who has written for a host of national publications. Fred Frommer, John P. Rafferty John P. Rafferty writes about Earth processes and the environment. He serves currently as the editor of Earth and life sciences, covering climatology, geology, zoology, and other topics that relate to... John P. Rafferty•All Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Dec 9, 2024 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot a Question Also called: wild canary (Show more) { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " Where can American goldfinches be found? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "American goldfinches have a vast geographic range. They can be found throughout the contiguous United States and southern Canada, along Mexicou2019s Gulf coast, in The Bahamas, and on other Caribbean islands. They are adaptable birds that nest in trees and shrubs in open fields, floodplains, cultivated areas, urban and suburban areas, orchards, and along roadsides." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What do American goldfinches eat? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "American goldfinches are granivorous, consuming seeds from woody plants, weeds, grasses, and flowers. They also eat berries, buds, bark, sap, and insects. Some birds have been observed eating pine cones. Their strong bill allows them to split seeds, and they are adept at using their legs to maneuver up and down plants while feeding." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " How do American goldfinches reproduce? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "They are serially monogamous, with pairs staying together for the breeding season. Some females, however, mate with more than one male. After fertilization, females lay two to seven eggs. Females incubate the eggs while males supply food. The eggs hatch after 15 days. Chicks learn to fly about 14 days after hatching, and some disperse from the nest at this time." } } ] } Top Questions Where can American goldfinches be found? American goldfinches have a vast geographic range. They can be found throughout the contiguous United States and southern Canada, along Mexico’s Gulf coast, in The Bahamas, and on other Caribbean islands. They are adaptable birds that nest in trees and shrubs in open fields, floodplains, cultivated areas, urban and suburban areas, orchards, and along roadsides.

  What do American goldfinches eat? American goldfinches are granivorous, consuming seeds from woody plants, weeds, grasses, and flowers. They also eat berries, buds, bark, sap, and insects. Some birds have been observed eating pine cones. Their strong bill allows them to split seeds, and they are adept at using their legs to maneuver up and down plants while feeding.

  How do American goldfinches reproduce? They are serially monogamous, with pairs staying together for the breeding season. Some females, however, mate with more than one male. After fertilization, females lay two to seven eggs. Females incubate the eggs while males supply food. The eggs hatch after 15 days. Chicks learn to fly about 14 days after hatching, and some disperse from the nest at this time.

  American goldfinch, (Spinus tristis), small acrobatic songbird native to North America. Males are known for their distinctive, bright yellow plumage that contrasts with their black tail, cap, and wings. They are also known for their call, a vocalization that sounds like “po-ta-to-chip” or “perchicoree-perchicoree.” Owing to the presence of a mournful note in their song, the species name is tristis, which is the Latin word for “sad.” Most classifications place American goldfinches in the family Fringillidae, along with grosbeaks and canaries. The species has long been popular among birders and wildlife enthusiasts, and in the United States it is the ...(100 of 1062 words)

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