American Goldfinch
Scientific Name: Spinus tristis
Description
The American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) — Minnesota’s vibrant state bird—is a lively, social finch easily recognized by its bright plumage and musical calls. Often seen fluttering among sunflowers and thistles, these birds bring a burst of yellow to meadows and gardens. Males in summer wear dazzling yellow feathers and a black cap, while females and winter birds display softer olive hues.
Image ID: E21A3395 - American Goldfinch side profile • Size: 3517x2345
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk IV • Lens: EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM +1.4x Settings: ISO 100 • Aperture f/8.0 • Shutter 1/320 s
Image ID: E21A3396 - Female American Goldfinch peeking through foliage • Size: 4310x2873
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk IV • Lens: EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM +1.4x Settings: ISO 100 • Aperture f/8.0 • Shutter 1/320 s
Image ID: E21A3397 - Female American Goldfinch among branches • Size: 4310x2873
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk IV • Lens: EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM +1.4x Settings: ISO 100 • Aperture f/8.0 • Shutter 1/320 s
Image ID: E21A3398 - Female American Goldfinch looking through leaves • Size: 4310x2873
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk IV • Lens: EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM +1.4x Settings: ISO 100 • Aperture f/8.0 • Shutter 1/320 s
Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Plumage | Bright yellow, black, and white. Breeding males have vivid yellow bodies with a black cap, wings, and tail. Females and nonbreeding males appear duller, with olive and brown tones. |
| Wings | Pointed with bold white markings, creating a strong contrast during flight. |
| Tail | Short and notched, adding to the bird’s distinctive bounding flight pattern. |
| Size | Approximately 5” (13 cm) in length. |
Plumage
Color: Yellow, black, white. Breeding males bright yellow with black cap, wings, and tail. Nonbreeding and females duller with olive tones.
Behavior and Feeding
Feeds on seeds while perched; often seen in flocks. Nests late in summer to match seed availability. Primarily seeds from thistle, sunflower, dandelion, and other composites.
Goldfinches remain in flocks until well past the time when other species have formed pairs and are nesting. In the winter they gather in large flocks often with other finches such as redpolls, and Pine Siskins.
Flight
Undulating flight with a bouncy rhythm
Nesting
Nests late in summer to match seed availability. Cup of grass, bark strips, and plant down placed in the upright fork of a small sapling or shrub. The nest holds 4 to 5 pale blue eggs.
Range
Breeds from southern British Columbia east to Newfoundland, and south to California, Utah, southern Colorado, central Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Carolinas. Winters throughout much of the United States.
Habitat
Weedy fields, gardens, roadsides, orchards
Audubon Group
- Group Perching Birds
- Plates 503, 548
- Page 750
References:
-National Audubon Society: Field Guide to North American Birds* (1995)
Personal field notes (2025) Photographed near Farmington, Minnesota — late summer morning light.