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The
American Goldfinch
by
Rebecca
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| The male American Goldfinch has bright
yellow feathers. The female has olive brown feathers. They both have the
black markings. They both have a short, stubby beak. They are 4 to 5 inches
(11-14 cm) long. |
| The American Goldfinch is found in
North America from southern Canada down to southern Mexico. They migrate
to southern Mexico or the Gulf of Mexico. Their nest is in a small tree
or shrub. |
| American Goldfinches eat seeds, insects,
and they drink water. To get their food they take seeds out of flowers.
To drink they tilt their head back to order to swallow. |
| American Goldfinches move by flying.
They do not hibernate. Females nest from July through September. The female
sits on the eggs almost constantly until they hatch. The life cycle of
an American Goldfinch is: egg, chick, and adult Goldfinch. |
| The American Goldfinch is sometimes
called wild canary and enjoy bird watchers watching them. It is the state
bird of Iowa, New Jersey, and Washington. It is the only bird that represents
states on both Atlantic and Pacific Coasts. |
| The nest is made of plant, fibers,
thistles, fuzz, and spider silk. The egg incubation period is 10 to 12
days. In the winter the male loses his bright yellow feathers and grows
olive brown feathers. The male provides most food for the chicks. |
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