Yes, there are goldfinches in Maryland. The American goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is a small North American bird in the finch family. Its summer range spans most of North America except for the far north and far south. These colorful little birds can be found across the state of Maryland.
Quick Facts About Goldfinches
Here are some key facts about goldfinches:
- Scientific Name: Spinus tristis
- Other Common Names: Wild canary, yellowbird
- Size: 4.3 to 5.1 inches long with a wingspan of 7.5 to 8.7 inches
- Color: Bright yellow body with black wings, white wing bars, and black tail
- Habitat: Weedy fields, roadsides, forest edges
- Diet: Seeds, especially from thistle, sunflower, and teasel plants
- Range: Breeds across North America, winters in southern Canada and U.S.
Identification Tips
Here are some tips for identifying goldfinches:
- Bright yellow body is distinctive
- Black wings with white wing bars
- Black tail with white corners
- Pointed conical bill adapted for eating seeds
- Undulating, bounding flight pattern
- Cheerful, twittering song
- Gregarious, often found in flocks
The coloring of goldfinches changes with the seasons. In winter, both males and females are olive-brown with just a touch of yellow on the wings and tail. Their bright yellow breeding plumage emerges in spring.
Goldfinch Habitat in Maryland
Goldfinches are found in open, weedy areas across Maryland. Some prime goldfinch habitats include:
- Fields and meadows
- Roadsides with seed-producing plants
- Forest edges
- Backyards with thistle feeders
- Farms
- Overgrown lots
- Floodplains
- Marshes
Goldfinches thrive in areas with thickets of seed-producing plants like thistle, sunflower, teasel, mullein, asters, and goldenrod. They also readily visit bird feeders stocked with nyjer thistle or sunflower seeds.
Range and Distribution in Maryland
Goldfinches breed across all of Maryland. They can be found statewide, including:
- Western Maryland
- Central Maryland
- Eastern Shore of Maryland
- Southern Maryland
- Baltimore-Washington Metro Area
Breeding Bird Survey data shows goldfinches are found in all Maryland counties during the summer. They are most abundant in central and western counties.
Most goldfinches migrate south for the winter. However, some may overwinter in Maryland during mild winters if adequate food supplies persist. They return to breeding areas in late April or early May.
Population Trends in Maryland
Goldfinch populations appear to be increasing across much of North America, including Maryland. Breeding Bird Survey data shows goldfinches in Maryland increased by 2.7% per year from 1966 to 2015. Christmas Bird Count data also shows increasing winter populations in the state.
The reasons for growing goldfinch numbers likely include:
- Expansion of weedy, overgrown areas providing habitat
- More bird feeders stocked with nyjer and sunflower seeds
- Adaptability to human landscapes
Interesting Goldfinch Facts
Here are a few interesting facts about goldfinches:
- Late nesters – they breed later than many birds, starting nests in July or August
- Nest lined with thistle down
- Molt into dull brown plumage in winter
- Unusual swelling on roof of mouth helps extract seeds
- Social, musical, acrobatic birds often found in lively flocks
- Male displays by flying in bouncing, undulating patterns
- Wing structure allows them to forage while perched on slender stems
Tips for Attracting Goldfinches
Here are some tips for attracting goldfinches to your yard:
- Plant native thistles, sunflowers, cosmos, and other seed-producing flowers
- Leave some areas scrubby and overgrown
- Avoid trimming plants until after goldfinches fledge their young in early fall
- Leave dried flower heads standing through winter
- Provide thistle feeders stocked with nyjer seed
- Use black oil sunflower seeds in tube feeders
- Supply a bird bath for drinking and bathing
- Reduce pesticide use
Best Places to See Goldfinches in Maryland
Some excellent spots to observe goldfinches in Maryland include:
- Pickering Creek Audubon Center – prime finch habitat with nyjer feeders
- North Tract at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge – extensive fields and edges
- Rock Creek Park – weedy, overgrown areas
- Catoctin Mountain Park – meadows and edge habitat
- Fort Frederick State Park – open fields and scrubby growth
Any area with thickets of seed-producing plants, overgrown lots, fields, or scrubby regrowth provides potential goldfinch habitat. Backyards with feeders also frequently attract them.
Threats and Conservation
Goldfinches remain common and their populations are increasing overall. However, potential threats include:
- Loss of weedy, overgrown habitat to development or landscaping
- Increased use of herbicides reducing food sources
- Collisions with buildings, towers, and vehicles
Conservation measures such as preserving scrubby, weedy habitat and reducing pesticide use in areas like rights-of-way can benefit goldfinches. Planting native thistles and other finch-friendly flowers also helps provide food sources.
Summary
In summary, goldfinches are bright yellow songbirds found across the state of Maryland. Their breeding habitat consists of weedy, overgrown areas with abundant seed-producing plants. Goldfinch populations have increased in recent decades. These acrobatic, lively birds can be attracted to backyards with nyjer or sunflower feeders and native plantings. Protecting scrubby habitat helps conserve goldfinch populations in Maryland.
