American Goldfinch
Carduelis tristis

Unlike most songbirds in Minnesota, the American Goldfinch nests primarily in August—after most other birds have completed their nesting—due to the availability of its primary nestling foods, the seeds of thistle plants and some insects.

Plumes from thistles make up much of the nest construction and nests are often located in thistle plants.

After nesting, males molt into a dull-colored plumage similar to females. Flocks assemble in the fall and winter to locate and forage in any direction where food sources can be found. We can help them by filling our bird feeders with thistle, sunflower seeds or seeds of certain trees, shrubs or weeds.

Click here to hear recordings of calls and songs of American Goldfinches.

Click here to watch videos of goldfinches in natural settings.

Click here to learn more information about these interesting birds.

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