American Goldfinch

Carduelis tristis

Lined with soft milkweed fluff and thistledown, the nests of American Goldfinches are so thickly woven they can hold water. Because these birds eat the seeds of thistles and other plants, they usually settle near a good supply. Goldfinches nest late, in midsummer, when seeds begin to be plentiful.

Look For : In summer, the male is brilliant yellow with a black cap, notched tail, and bold white bars on black wings. The female is olive-green with a yellow throat and chest. In winter, males resemble females.

Length : 5".

Habitat : Fields, forest edges, grasslands, suburbs.

Range : Southern Canada (mainly in summer) and south throughout most of U.S. (southern areas mainly in winter).