Builds cup-shaped nest in shrub or tree, often near water. Takes food from foliage, or forages on ground. Usually travels and forages in flocks
, except during breeding
season. Carduelis
tristis
(American
Goldfinch)
Physical
Description:
4 1/2-5 1/2" (11-14 cm).
Yellowy-gold with black forehead,
wings, and tail. Wings have two
narrow white bars; tail has white edges. Females
and immatures duller and no black
on head.
Similar Species- Female Lawrence's Goldfinch, immature Indigo Bunting, Lesser Goldfinch.
Song:
A
prolonged jumble of short trills and thin twittering notes.
Distribution:
Breeds
across southern Canada, south to southwestern California, northern Baja California,
eastern Oregon, central Nevada, extreme northeastern Texas, central Georgia,
and South Carolina. Winters from southern Canada and northern U.S., south to
northern Mexico, Gulf Coast, and southern Florida.
Habitat:
Found in weedy
fields, cultivated lands, open deciduous and riparian woodlands, forest edges,
second growth, shrubbery, orchards, and farmlands. Results of an Idaho study
conducted in cottonwood forests indicated a preference for agricultural landscapes
over more natural landscapes.
Diet:
Feeds on seeds
(e.g., birch, alder, conifer, thistle, and goldenrod). will also eat some berries
and insects. Young eat partly-digested, regurgitated seeds.
Ecology:
Builds cup-shaped
nest in shrub or tree, often near water. Takes food from foliage, or forages
on ground. Usually travels and forages in flocks, except during breeding
season.
Reproduction:
Female incubates 4-6 eggs (usually 5),
for 12-14 days. Young are tended by both adults, and leave nest 10-16 days after
hatching.
Conservation:
Element
Code:
ABPBY06110
Status:
Protected
nongame species
Global
Rank:
G5
State
Rank:
S5
National
Rank:
N5
Important
State References:
Saab, V.A.
1996. Influences of spatial scale and land-use practices on habitat relationships
of breeding birds in cottonwood riparian forests. Ph.D. Dissertation, Univ.
Colorado, Boulder. 140pp.