The small orange and black bird being referred to is likely the American goldfinch (Spinus tristis), also known as the wild canary or yellow bird. The goldfinch is a small songbird that is common across much of North America. It is easily identified by its bright yellow body plumage contrasted with black on the wings, tail, and top of the head. Goldfinches are lively, acrobatic little birds that frequent backyard bird feeders and are a favorite sight in many neighborhoods. In this article, we will explore the goldfinch’s identification, range, habits, breeding, and how to attract these colorful birds to your yard.
Identification
The American goldfinch measures 4.3-5.1 inches in length and has a wingspan of 7.5-8.7 inches. The sexes are similar in appearance. Adult males in breeding plumage have a bright lemon-yellow body, black forehead, black wings with white markings, black tail, and a short pink bill. Females are duller in coloration with an olive-brown back and breast. Throughout the year, both sexes have distinctive white wing bars that are visible during flight.
Outside of the breeding season, goldfinches molt into a less vibrant plumage. Their bright yellow feathers are replaced by more olive-brown colors. The black cap becomes smaller or disappears completely. This drab appearance led to some of the early common names like “wild canary” and “yellow bird,” since people were reminded of the dull winter plumage of canaries compared to their bright yellow summer appearance.
Goldfinches undergo a complete molt starting in late summer and continuing into early fall. Their bright breeding plumage returns again in early spring. The change is very gradual and incomplete plumages are common during the molting periods.
Similar Species
The American goldfinch is unlikely to be confused with any other species within its range. The only similar small finch is the lesser goldfinch of the southwestern U.S., but it lacks the black cap and white wing bars. House finches are another common feeder bird but are larger, stockier, and lack yellow plumage.
Range and Habitat
Goldfinches are found across the lower 48 United States, southern Canada, and southwards through Mexico and Central America to Venezuela. Their range has expanded in parts of the western U.S. over the past century.
These birds are migratory over much of the northern portion of their range. Northern populations generally migrate south for the winter. As is typical for migratory songbirds, males precede females in both spring and fall migrations.
Goldfinches are found in open areas with scattered trees, shrubs, and weeds. Backyards, fields, roadsides, orchards, and floodplains provide ideal habitat. They prefer areas with tall herbs and shrubs for nesting sites. Goldfinches are frequently sighted along forest edges but avoid dense forest. They are adaptable to human landscapes and readily visit bird feeders.
Backyard Birds
The American goldfinch is one of the most common and frequently observed backyard birds over much of North America. They are daily visitors at bird feeders across their range. Goldfinches regularly congregate in small flocks, sometimes numbering 20 birds or more.
Food and Feeding
Goldfinches are primarily seed-eating birds. Their diet consists mainly of small seeds from annual plants like thistles, sunflowers, dandelions, and grasses. They are able to crack open small seeds with their conical bills to extract the seed kernel inside.
Nyjer seed, offered in specialty bird feeders, is a top draw for goldfinches. They cling acrobatically to the feeder ports to extract these tiny black seeds. Goldfinches also commonly feed on sunflower seeds, particularly the small black oil type. At feeders they prefer smaller perch feeders over larger tray or hopper feeders.
Thistle seed feeders with small ports are ideal for observing goldfinches. They will become regular visitors to any yard that offers nyjer or thistle seed. These feeds are excellent choices year-round.
In summer, goldfinches supplement their diet by catching insects in flight. They frequent fields of thistle, sunflowers, and asters to pluck ripened seeds directly from the flowers. In winter they glean seeds from dried flower heads and grasses.
Breeding
Goldfinches begin courtship and pairing in mid to late summer, but breeding may not commence until the following summer. Nest building typically starts in late June or July but may occur later in the season at higher latitudes.
Goldfinches construct open cup nests 3-5 inches across and built from plant down, grasses, and plant fibers. They are placed 4-60 feet above ground wedged into a fork or next to a vertical branch. Favorite nest sites include riverbirch, boxelder, elm, and silver maple trees.
The female lays 3-6 pale blue or white eggs. She alone incubates the eggs for 11-14 days. The male feeds her during this period but does not incubate the eggs. After hatching, both parents feed the nestlings. The young leave the nest at 10-17 days old.
Attracting Goldfinches
Goldfinches are cheery birds that bring bright color and constant activity to any yard that caters to their needs. Consider these tips to attract them to your feeders:
– Offer nyjer/thistle feeders – Goldfinches can’t resist these tiny black seeds
– Provide fresh niger seed regularly – It quickly goes stale if not eaten promptly
– Add sock feeders – Goldfinches cling to the mesh and nibble seeds
– Include sunflower seeds – Favor the small black oil type over larger seeds
– Provide water daily – Goldfinches bathe and drink frequently
– Avoid mixes with fillers like milo or wheat – Goldfinches pick them out
– Use small perch feeders – Avoid large tray or hopper feeders
– Leave some spent flowers – They eat dried seeds from last year’s growth
– Add nest boxes if natural sites limited – Help provide nesting locations
With a little encouragement, the cheerful American goldfinch can become a daily presence in your yard throughout the year. The flashes of bright yellow and the lively flocks bring energy and beauty during every season. Attract some to your feeders this year!
Conclusion
The small orange and black bird is definitively identified as the American goldfinch. This abundant and widespread songbird is a favorite in many backyards across North America. Goldfinches are easily attracted to feeders stocked with nyjer, thistle, or sunflower seeds. Their acrobatic clinging antics and bright colors make them a joy to observe. Follow the tips outlined here to successfully attract goldfinches to become colorful regulars at your own feeders!
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Length | Wingspan |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Goldfinch | Spinus tristis | 4.3-5.1 in | 7.5-8.7 in |
References and Recommended Resources
Some useful resources for learning more about American goldfinches:
[Cornell Lab of Ornithology Guide to American Goldfinch](https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/learn/about-birds/goldfinch/)
[Audubon Guide to American Goldfinch](https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/american-goldfinch)
[All About Birds – American Goldfinch](https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Goldfinch)
[The Spruce – How to Attract Goldfinches](https://www.thespruce.com/attract-american-goldfinches-386587)
Books:
– Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America
– National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America
– Stokes Field Guide to Birds Eastern Region
