January 25, 2003
American Goldfinch

This male American Goldfinch has almost finished molting into his bright breeding plumage. In early spring, the males begin to replace their dull yellow body feathers with a brighter version. They also gain black feathers on top of the crown. Females also become somewhat brighter, but lack the black cap. Goldfinches breed late in the season. They try to coincide their breeding when thistle plants have finished flowering. They use the down of the thistle to line their nests and feed off the thistle seeds. Their distinctive flight call sounds like, "per chickory" or "potato chip."