Backyard birdwatchers in North Florida will hear the American Goldfinch a few weeks before it shows itself. Its song is distinct and unmistakable: a short "sweee-eep" that brightens the new leaves of deciduous trees, announcing a change of season for Floridians.
The Arrival of the American Goldfinch
In North Florida, late March or April is the time to fill the feeder for the American Goldfinches as they arrive from their winter migration. Thistle (niger) or hulled sunflower will attract these lovely birds, who feed almost exclusively on seed. Thistle is preferred because it is less expensive and discourages the opportunistic Grey Squirrels, who crave sunflower seeds in any form. But be sure to hang several feeders.
At first, one or two birds will alight, falling silent as air and with remarkable speed from nearby shrubs, oaks or wild olive trees. At this time, the males will not have taken on their bright breeding plumage, and except for spots of emerging yellow on the back, will look similar to the dun colored females.
These first visitors act as a kind of sentry, checking the seed and the surrounding environment, wary of predators like the family cat or competitors such as the Blue Jay or the Northern Cardinal. Goldfinches are rather small birds with a cautious streak. Their black eyes track the surroundings, alert to movement and sound. Any minor disturbance and they will disappear just as quickly as they arrived. It may be a few days before they gain confidence and more birds arrive at your feeder. Be patient. Goldfinch days are about to begin.
The Florida Colonies
The American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) is a social bird that forms large colonies as it makes its way south from Maine to Florida during winter migration. Their colonies can include Red Polls, Pine Siskin and other finches. These large flocks are more than social gatherings and serve to ward off predators. Thus, when the Goldfinches arrive at your feeders, they will likely be accompanied by their temporary flock mates. In Florida, different varieties of resident sparrows join in the foraging, taking advantage of the safety of the small bird community. Quiet and non-aggressive Ring-Necked Doves also appear for ground feeding.
Goldfinch Days
Once the Goldfinches adopt your habitat for their feeding grounds, they begin arriving in larger numbers. At the height of Goldfinch Days, a full colony or 20 to 30 birds, could crowd your feeders. The birds are not fickle about feeders. They will come to any variety, including hopper, platform and hanging feeders. If you have planted thistle or milkweed or if these grow wild, the Goldfinch will find them irresistible.
The bright bodies swarming and dipping in the air and piping their cheerful music is a natural balm for the backyard birder. The warm days of Spring progress and the male Goldfinch undergoes his transformation. His unremarkable winter coat is replaced with canary-yellow breeding plumage topped with a little black cap and black wings that produce a marked contrast in colors. The male American Goldfinch in full glory is the most visible identity of this species.
Goldfinches quickly develop a feeding pattern, so keep your feeders stocked if you want the joy to continue. Their regimen includes an early morning visit, another at midday and a final sup before dusk. They become territorial as well. You may look out your window just as dawn is swelling to see one or two birds sitting at the feeders. The same occurrence takes place in between other feeding periods – a few solitary birds stationed quietly but protectively, announcing ownership of the feeders.
Goldfinches are anything but sedate during feeding time. The colony flips and dips and feeds almost frenetically. If you’ve never witnessed their proclivity for feeding in an upside down position, this sight will be a treat in itself.
You’ll notice that the males dominate as they vie for positions on the feeder, quickly chasing off a female with a bright flurry of wings. This family squabbling is brief but repetitive if more birds than feeder slots are available. Often the females and perhaps a younger male will join the ground feeding pigeons and sparrows until a spot becomes vacant.
Breeding begins in June or July with the female building her durable nest as the male partner watches. From two to seven bluish colored eggs are laid, often at night. The female may place her nest low to the ground or as high as thirty feet, depending on habitat and safety. For the next ten days to two-weeks, you’ll notice fewer females at your feeder and increased activity of the males, who feed their mate during the incubation period. About half of the clutch or two to three birds will survive. Both the male and female feed the nestlings regurgitated seed until they are ready to fly and feed on their own. Young birds leave the nest after about two weeks.
The Summertime Blues
Goldfinch Days in Florida begin to wind down with the cooling of the weather. The fall migration commences at the close of an Indian summer, around late August or September. Although resident Goldfinch live in parts of Georgia and possibly North Florida, their winter plumage makes them unnoticeable.
The backyard birder will cherish the few hangers-on who appear infrequently at the feeders. You will dearly miss the sweet calls, the flashes of yellow and black, the huddle around the feeders, the air dances.
The American Goldfinches move in their migratory pattern, and your once vibrant backyard now seems a desolate place. Absence is such sweet sorrow.
Additional Resources:
Go here to hear the American Goldfinch song.
Cornell University Lab of Ornithology: Allaboutbirds.org Guide to American Goldfinch
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