Bird Gallery Index

American Goldfinch image © Alan Murphy

Family: (Fringillidae) Finches

Preferred Habitat: Common and widespread in Houston wherever there are weedy fields or deciduous trees. Readily visits bird feeders.

Seasonal Occurrence: Abundant in winter (December - March).

Notes: The American Goldfinches found in Houston are primarily in winter plumage with males and females similar in coloring. Late in the season males begin to show their summer plumage of bright yellow with a black cap. Goldfinches in winter feed in flocks. Their flight, which consists of distinctive bounds combined with a potato chip call, makes them easy to recognize in the sky. Goldfinches feed on a variety of seeds. Glenn Olsen reports that he has noticed them feeding on the seeds of American sycamore, sweetgum, ragweed, goldenrod, and other plants. He has also observed "an American Goldfinch strip open the the seed pod of Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans) and enjoy the buffet of the numerous seeds in the pod." John Tveten posted on Texbirds that in his neighborhood, "they utilize heavily the seeds of cedar elm. In fact, we usually don't get American Goldfinches at our feeders until they have exhausted the elm seeds from several of our large trees. Cedar elm blooms in the fall, and hence the seeds are prime when the goldfinches arrive." Goldfinches readily come to bird feeders. Black oil sunflower seed and thistle seed are the most appropriate seeds. Thistle seed feeders are designed specifically for goldfinches and Pine Siskins. The thistle seed becomes rancid fairly quickly so only small amounts should be put out at one time; extra seed is best stored in the freezer.
- Susan Billetdeaux