| During the winter months, American Goldfinches leave their breeding territories and head south. Sometimes, these movements can become major irruptions into the southern sections of the United States and many birds can be seen when there are usually very few. American Goldfinches appear at about 60-70% of feeders across the states each winter. In the photo above the adult male is on the left.
Goldfinches are smaller than a sparrow. In the summer, males are bright yellow with black caps, tails, and wings. Females are less striking, with olive-yellow coloration and lack of a black cap. Males lose their black caps during the winter, although some black coloring may appear on their foreheads. The face and throat of the male are yellow, but the crown, nape and back turn buffy brown. The female in winter plumage has similar coloring, although she has no yellow on her head or throat.
Photo © Roy Harvey
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