Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis), male
American Goldfinch, Male

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

The American goldfinch, Spinus tristis, is a small and vibrant member of the finch family, notable for its dynamic plumage and migratory habits. This bird is unique among its relatives for undergoing a complete molt twice a year.

Identification Tips

Adult males in breeding plumage are easily identified by their bright yellow bodies, contrasting black caps, and white rump visible in flight. Females and non-breeding males are more subdued in color, with olive or brownish tones. Both sexes have conical beaks that turn bright orange in the spring, and their wings show distinctive black and white markings.

Habitat

These finches favor open spaces where weeds are abundant, such as meadows, fields, and floodplains. They can also be found in gardens, orchards, and along roadsides.

Distribution

The American goldfinch breeds from mid-Alberta to North Carolina and winters from the southern Canadian border to Mexico. It is a short-distance migrant, traveling in flocks to areas with ample food supply.

Behaviour

Outside of the breeding season, the American goldfinch is a social bird, often seen in large flocks. It exhibits a wave-like flight pattern and is known for its undulating flight calls. During nesting, the species becomes more territorial but aggression is typically short-lived.

Song & Calls

The goldfinch's song is a melodic series of warbles and twitters. Its common calls include a "tsee-tsi-tsi-tsit" in flight and a "po-ta-to-chip" contact call.

Breeding

Breeding begins late in the season, with courtship involving aerial displays and singing by males. Nests are built by females in trees or shrubs, and a single brood is raised each year. The species is monogamous and the male assists by providing food to the female and young.

Similar Species

The American goldfinch can be confused with other finches, but its unique molting pattern, vibrant breeding plumage in males, and distinct flight call set it apart.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily granivorous, the American goldfinch feeds on seeds from a variety of plants and occasionally consumes insects. It adeptly uses its feet to manipulate food sources, a behavior that aids in its survival.

Conservation status

The species is classified as Least Concern, with a large range and increasing population. Human activities such as deforestation have inadvertently created favorable habitats for the American goldfinch, contributing to its thriving status.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

American Goldfinches on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Finches, Euphonias

A photo of a Lesser Redpoll (Acanthis cabaret) , male

Lesser Redpoll

Acanthis cabaret
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Talli A
My favourite app
As a young birdwatcher who was always keen to be apart of a community but never seemed to find one, my problem was solved downloading this!!! Everyone is so friendly and just as excited to see birds as me 😁
Marlster24
Very Wholesome App
Joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter πŸ˜„
EandB17
Terrific App for Birders
Downloaded Birda around the time my interest in birding was sparked, and it has been a terrific app to help me (1) share my experience, (2) document my sightings, and (3) learn more about birds in general. That said, I also believe Birda is a fantastic app for birders of all experience levels. Great community!
Mike T
Sense of Community
A great app, which is continually being improved. What really comes through is the passion of those behind the app. The sense of community is brilliant, so much help and support provided to new and/or in experienced birders.
Alex J
Friendly and helps to identify birds
Great birding app, good for logging your sightings, also has nice species guide. I'm enjoying the social aspect more than I expected, everyone seems friendly and helps to identify unknown birds. Good mix of newbies and experienced users.
Emcil24
A Friendly Place
I love using the bird app, I have a pretty good knowledge of birds. But I do have some gaps in it, so it’s nice to have a safe space to check on a sighting to confirm the species. It’s really enjoyable and I love the badges you can collect. It’s like a real life PokΓ©mon go.
Sacha0508
Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my β€œlists”.
Patricia L
Very encouraging birding app
Easy to use, fun to see progress and encouraging to receive feedback from other users.
BCHphotography_
Such a great app!
I didn’t think I could enjoy birding more but this app makes it so much better. Some great features and a really great way to share your sightings with your friends or fellow birders nearby or around the world! ❀️
Alice J
Awesome Birding Community
I absolutely love the community aspect of this app. The app is so user friendly and has fun interactive challenges to get you out birding. I’ve tried others but since I’ve started using Birda I’ve not gone back!
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright Β© 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.