Did you know that not all goldfinches belong to the same family? Or that they breed and lay their eggs later in the season than most bird species? Keep reading as we take a closer look at these and other goldfinch key facts.
Quick Facts About Goldfinches
| Scientific Family: | Spinus, Carduelis |
| Physical Description: | Small passerine birds with predominantly yellow coloring. American goldfinches have black caps and wings with white undersides; European goldfinches have red faces and more brown than yellow on their bodies; lesser goldfinches have more black and brown; Lawrence’s goldfinches have black caps and gray backs and chests. Goldfinches are sexually dimorphic, with males generally exhibiting brighter colors than females. |
| Number of Species: | Four |
| Distribution: | Depending on species, found native throughout North America and Europe along with parts of South America, Africa, and Asia. Introduced in Australia. |
| Habitat: | Open fields, grasslands, woodlands, etc. with shrubs and small trees. |
| Migrational Habits: | Goldfinches living in colder regions migrate to warmer areas for the winter; those living in warmer climates may remain year-round. |
| Diet: | Seeds, fruits, plant materials, tree sap |
| Average Size: | 3.5 to 5.5 inches, typical weight less than half an ounce |
| Average Lifespan: | 2 to 3 years |
| Number of Eggs: | 3 to 6 |
What Does a Goldfinch Look Like?
There are four primary species of goldfinches, with each species having various subspecies. The different species vary somewhat in appearance, though all have similar bi-color patterns on their wings.
American goldfinches are most common and recognizable. They are bright yellow with black, cap-like markings on their foreheads, black and white patterns on their wings, and white undersides.
Lesser goldfinches are typically paler in color than American goldfinches, with more brown and black in their patterns, especially on their backs and wings. Lawrence goldfinches have yellow wings and bellies but more black on their heads and faces and gray coloration overall.
European goldfinches are arguably the most colorful species. They have yellow and black markings on their wings, brown and white bodies, and red and black markings on their faces.
Check out this video to see European and American goldfinches visiting a birdfeeder together:
What Are Some Interesting Facts About Goldfinches?
- Goldfinches belong to two different families: American, Lawrence, and lesser goldfinches all belong to the Spinus family. European goldfinches are not closely related to them, as they belong to the Carduelis family.
- Goldfinches are late breeders: While most birds breed throughout the spring, goldfinches breed in the summer. They often don’t begin nesting activities until June and may not raise young until July or August.
- Goldfinches are vegetarians: Goldfinches eat plant materials, especially seeds, almost exclusively. The one exception is during breeding season, when they eat insects and regurgitate them to feed their young.
- American goldfinches molt twice a year: Males of this goldfinch species molt in the spring to grow in bright feathers to attract a mate during breeding season. Later, at the end of summer, they molt again to grow in darker, duller feathers for the winter.
- Goldfinches build unique nests: Goldfinch nests are watertight enough to hold water. They are constructed of tightly woven soft plant fibers and held together with spider silk to make them extra strong.
Conclusion
Goldfinches are pretty passerine birds found throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere; some have even been introduced to Australia. There are four different species, all of which have varying shades and amounts of yellow in their patterns.