If you enjoy watching birds in your backyard, the beautiful goldfinch may have gotten your attention. Maybe you’d like to learn more about this pretty passerine; in particular, you’re wondering, what do goldfinches use to build their nests? Where do they build nests, and what do the nests look like? Keep reading as we answer all of these questions and more.
What You'll Learn Today
What Are Goldfinches?
Goldfinches are small birds comprising several species in the spinus and carduelis species. One of the most widespread in the U.S. is the American goldfinch; the European goldfinch, found in parts of Europe, Asia, and Australia, is not closely related.
Goldfinches are migratory, generally moving to warmer regions during the winter. They vary in size but are generally considered small compared with other finches.
Goldfinches build soft nests and typically lay three to six eggs each summer. American goldfinches are known for being highly social during non-breeding seasons; during breeding, they live in small, loosely defined colonies.
What Do Goldfinches Use to Build Their Nests?
Goldfinch nests are unique in their construction. They tend to be very small, just three inches across with an interior opening two inches in diameter.
Goldfinches build their nests out of various soft plant materials. They commonly use vines, weeds, tree bark, and strips of plant fiber to construct the main part of the nest; the bowl is lined with the soft fluff of thistle blossoms, dandelions, milkweed seeds, and even soft manmade materials to create a comfy, chick-friendly environment.
Interestingly, goldfinches will use spider silk to attach their nests to tree branches and caterpillar webbing to hold the soft interior lining together. The materials used and the unique woven design of the nest makes it secure and so water-tight that it will hold water; when it rains, the adult birds must shield the nest to keep it from filling up and drowning the babies.
Where Do Goldfinches Nest?
Goldfinches prefer open habitats with enough leaves and branches to keep them sheltered from predators and bad weather. They may live in farms, orchards, parks, new-growth wetlands, and quiet neighborhoods.
They typically build their nests in dense deciduous and evergreen shrubs, though they will sometimes choose small trees. They usually nest anywhere between four and 20 feet above ground, but sometimes much lower.
When they construct their nests, they start by building the foundation around a few strong twigs or branches. They continue weaving the materials together until they’ve created a sturdy, cup-shaped nest.
How Long Does it Take a Goldfinch to Build its Nest?
Goldfinch nests are constructed entirely by females, though their mates may help with the process by bringing them nesting materials and guarding the territory. They typically begin nest-building activities in June or July, though some species in warmer environments may begin as early as May.
It usually takes about six days for a goldfinch to build her nest. After construction is complete, the mated pair may leave the nest site for a few days before returning to lay and incubate their eggs.
Since goldfinches tend to nest in loose groups, it’s not uncommon to find multiple nests within the same area. Several mated pairs often share territories, though they will defend their immediate nest sites from each other; males display territorial behavior toward other males, while females will defend the nest site from other females.
What Do Goldfinch Nests Look Like?
Goldfinches build their nests in the shape of cups, meaning they are nearly as deep as they are wide. They are small and have a delicate woven-basket appearance.
If you are lucky enough to see a goldfinch nest up close, you’ll see the soft, downy-like lining inside the cup. Be careful not to get too close, especially if you spot a few ivory or pale blue eggs inside.
Check out the video below to see what a European goldfinch nest looks like:
Do Goldfinches Nest in Winter?
As noted earlier, most goldfinch species migrate. Since they don’t stay in the same place year-round, and their breeding season is during the summer, they have no need to build nests in winter.
Though they don’t participate in nesting activities during the colder months, they may build additional nests for new clutches during their normal breeding season. Sometimes, the female in a mated pair will begin building a new nest while the male continues to raise their first clutch.
Except in these cases, male and female goldfinches work together to raise their young, which remain in the nest for 11 to 17 days after hatching. The parents may continue to feed the babies for up to three weeks after they have fledged.
Do Goldfinches Use Nesting Boxes?
Because of their unique nest-construction activities and behaviors, goldfinches do not use nesting boxes or birdhouses. They prefer the sheltered but more open environments provided by shrubs and small trees.
If you’re hoping to attract goldfinches to your yard, putting up nesting boxes will have no effect. Instead, consider planting shrubs and providing plenty of sunflower seeds for them to eat.
Allowing thistles to grow on your property will also provide goldfinches with both a food source (thistle seeds) and nesting materials (the blossoms).
Conclusion
Goldfinches create small, cup-shaped nests out of various plant materials. They line the nests with fluffy thistledown and other seed fibers to make it soft and comfortable. Because of these unique nest-building habits, goldfinches don’t use birdhouses, but you can attract them to shrubs and small trees in your area by providing a plentiful source of food for them.
