![]() Sycamore Grove Farm, Madison County With the male’s brilliant yellow color, it’s understandable how the American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) got the nickname “wild canary”. It is most active during the day, flying about in its distinctive wavelike pattern. It also hops along the ground in search of seed. Goldfinches are year-round residents in most of Virginia, where they are often found in open fields, scrubby areas and woodlands. Our farm offers them the pick of which environment they want, as we have all three. Goldfinches are “granivores,” meaning they eat mainly seeds. Some of their favorites include sunflower, thistle and elm seeds. They frequent our bird feeders, allowing us to get close for wonderful pictures. They also love our bee balm plant when it goes to seed. We often see a couple will land on a single stalk and gorge on the seeds. (Note: if you plant bee balm, you will definitely get goldfinches in your yard!) A goldfinch flight has been described as “roller-coasting”– as they go up and down, all the while twittering loudly throughout. Their most recognized call has been characterized as “po-ta-to-chip.” During the summer months the male’s bright yellow color contrasts dramatically with the somewhat drab female. Scientists speculate that many male birds have colorful plumage to draw predators away from the female on the nest. During the winter months both male and female are somewhat similar in coloring. A goldfinch pair usually stays together for only one breeding season. They are primarily monogamous but females have been observed switching mates after producing their first brood. The first male will typically take care of the fledglings while the female goes off to start another brood with a different male. Newly hatched goldfinches can fly after about two weeks but may stay with their parents for another month before leaving on their own. A goldfinch life span is 3-6 years. The longest lived goldfinch was recorded as 11 years old. The primary predators of goldfinches are sparrow hawks and domestic cats. Their nests are preyed upon by many small mammals, snakes and larger birds.
Goldfinches typically migrate south for the winter. Females will go further south during the winter than males and younger males will winter further north than adult males. But they rarely over-winter in northern areas that get below 0 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods of time. So enjoy these delightful little finches – and if you keep your feeder full, you will probably see them all year long! Happy birding! Charlene
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Have a blog or blog idea?
Let us know (click) Other Blogs
VA Native Plant Society - click Brenda Clement Jones - click John Muir Laws' Blog - click Megan's Nature Nook - click Categories
All
Archives
September 2023
Blog Administrator:
Jennifer K. VMN since 2024 |