Perching

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis
American Goldfinch thumbnail
Length: 5 in. (13 cm )
Although uncommon in lowland desert areas, it is otherwise common throughout most of its range. This perky species occupies weedy fields, open brushy areas and forest edges where it often hangs from vegetation gleaning small seeds from branch tips and thistle heads. It feeds the young a liquid seed pulp and an occasional insect. During the winter this species usually travels in small to large flocks, often associated with other seed-eating species, such as Lesser Goldfinches and Pine Siskins. The small, cup-like nest is tightly woven with plant down and other vegetation and placed in the fork of a branch in a bush or tree at low to mid levels.

The four-digit banding code is AMGO.

Male | Jim Burns

Female | Robert Shantz


Agricultural

Chaparral

Riparian / River forest

Savanna

Shrubs

Urban city
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View Citation

You may need to edit author's name to meet the style formats, which are in most cases "Last name, First name."

Bibliographic details:

  • Article: American Goldfinch
  • Author(s): Dr. Biology
  • Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
  • Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
  • Date published: July 13, 2017
  • Date accessed: March 6, 2024
  • Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/american-goldfinch

APA Style

Dr. Biology. (2017, July 13). American Goldfinch. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved March 6, 2024 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/american-goldfinch

American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Chicago Manual of Style

Dr. Biology. "American Goldfinch". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 July, 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/american-goldfinch

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "American Goldfinch". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 6 Mar 2024. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/american-goldfinch

Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
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