Species profile
American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Fringillidae
- Conservation status
- Not assessed here
identification
Small finch with black wings and white bars; breeding males are bright yellow with a black forehead.
habitat
Weedy fields, floodplains, roadsides, gardens, and open second growth.
range
Widespread across most of North America, shifting seasonally within that range.
behavior
Undulating flight and agile seed feeding, often in flocks outside nesting season.
diet
Primarily seeds, especially from composites.
voice
Bright po-ta-to-chip flight call and a long musical song.
seasonality
Resident or seasonal migrant depending on region.
Related species
Sources
Taxonomy, identification, natural history, and conservation references. Follow source links for current assessments.