The American Goldfinch is a small bird, measuring about 4.5 to 5 inches in length and weighing around 0.4 to 0.7 ounces. The male and female have distinct differences in their appearance.

During the breeding season, the male American Goldfinch is adorned with bright lemon yellow plumage on its body, with black wings and a black cap on its head. Its tail is also black with white edges.

On the other hand, the female has a duller olive-brown color on its body, with a pale yellow wash on its breast and belly. Both the male and female have a sharp, pointed bill, perfect for their diet of seeds.

The American Goldfinch is a migratory bird that can be found in a wide range of habitats across North America, including meadows, fields, open woodlands, and gardens.

They are most commonly found in the northern regions of the United States and Canada, but they can also be found in parts of Mexico during the winter months. They prefer areas with abundant vegetation, especially thistles and other flowering plants, as they are important sources of food for this species.

The American Goldfinch is a social bird that usually forms small flocks outside of the breeding season. They are known for their acrobatic flying skills, often seen fluttering and swooping in mid-air. They have a distinctive flight pattern, with a series of rapid wingbeats followed by a brief glide.

This bird is primarily herbivorous, with its diet consisting mainly of seeds from a variety of plants, including thistles, sunflowers, and other composite flowers.

They also eat small insects and spiders, especially during the breeding season when they need more protein to raise their young.

The American Goldfinch breeds later than most bird species, usually from late June to early August. During the breeding season, the male American Goldfinch displays its bright yellow plumage to attract a mate.

After mating, the female constructs a cup-shaped nest made of plant fibers, grasses, and moss, usually hidden in a dense shrub or tree. The nest is lined with soft materials such as plant down and feathers.

The female usually lays 3 to 6 pale blue or greenish-blue eggs, which she incubates for about 12 to 14 days. Both the male and female take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the hatchlings. The young birds fledge from the nest about 10 to 15 days after hatching.

If you’re a bird enthusiast and want to attract American Goldfinches to your garden, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure your garden has a variety of flowering plants, especially those that produce seeds, such as thistles, sunflowers, and coneflowers.

These plants provide a natural source of food for the American Goldfinch. You can also provide bird feeders with thistle or nyjer seeds, which are preferred by American Goldfinches. Place the feeders in a safe location, away from predators, and keep them clean and filled with fresh seeds.