I mentioned in my last photography post that summer is very much “finch season” in my backyard. The American Goldfinches, in particular, visit so frequently that I hang a finch feeder from June through early September, filled with Nyjer seeds and sunflower chips (some of their favorite foods). They also enjoy munching on coneflower and bee balm seeds from the garden.
To my mind, this sweet little yellow bird is a quintessential bird of summer. What’s interesting about them:
1.) They eat an almost exclusively vegetarian diet and tend to breed late in the summer (now) when food is most abundant.
2.) They molt twice a year–and undergo a pretty dramatic transformation when they do. In wintertime, male and female goldfinches have an identical brownish-yellow plumage.
In the spring and summer, male American Goldfinches are vibrant yellow. Their wings are black with white bars, and they don a black cap. Females are a somewhat less vibrant yellow.
3.) They have a “potato chip” call. I promise you, once you hear it, you won’t be able to unhear it:
https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/251971631/embed
Also, it’s not a goldfinch, but I wanted to share this photo of a Worm-eating Warbler. In fact, I had never heard of a Worm-eating Warbler until today, when this little guy made a surprise visit to the backyard. I wish the photograph was sharper…if I’m lucky, perhaps, I’ll get another shot.
The Used Life 
15 responses to “Birds of Summer: American Goldfinch”
There are a lot of goldfinch around here. I learned more about them in your post. Beautiful photos. Haven’t seen a worm-eating warbler but wish some would come and eat the gypsy moth worms that will be back in the spring.
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Thank you! I did a bit of research this afternoon, and it seems Worm-eating Warblers are rather uncommon in North America, even in their breeding range, so I feel lucky to have spotted one.
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You’re very welcome and thanks for looking it up.
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Your backyard is a paradise! You share it so generously and beautifully. Thank you for the nature escape. 🌻
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Thank you, Michele! It is a kind of retreat. And I’m happy you enjoyed this collection of photos. You know how much I admire your photography, and I always appreciate your feedback. 🙏🏻🌻
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You are welcome. I love the idea of a retreat. Thank you. I love your photography. I enjoy all your creations!
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Thank you! Have a beautiful Tuesday! 🌞
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Such beautiful pictures. You make it look easier than it is. It’s very hard to photograph birds. I’ve struggled in vain lol. I finally stuck to landscapes and other stuff. I liked learning more about goldfinches. Great post.
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Thank you, Nitin. Birds can be difficult to photograph. Lol I try to be patient and persistent. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
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How wonderful to have that going on in your yard.
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Thank you, Bob! It’s a blessing to have them around.
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Great photos 🙂 I actually really like the ones in which the gold finch has a little brown in its feathers…it’s such a soft and inviting color in contrast to their vibrant yellow…a time for every season..perfect.
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Thank you, friend! They are beautiful all year long, but it’s a special treat to see them changing colors at the turn of the season. 😊
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It is starting to feel a bit like fall in Virginia, so these bright, sunny photos reminded me summer is still in full swing!
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For sure! It actually felt a little bit like fall here today, too.
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