American Goldfinch

Description:

Also known as the Eastern Goldfinch and Wild Canary. The American Goldfinch is a small finch, 4–5 in. long, with a wingspan of 7–9 in. It weighs between 11–20 grams. The beak is small, conical, and pink for most of the year, but turns bright orange with the spring molt in both sexes. The shape and size of the beak aid in the extraction of seeds from the seed heads of thistles, sunflowers, and other plants.

Habitat:

The American Goldfinch prefers open country where weeds thrive, such as fields, meadows, flood plains, as well as roadsides, orchards, and gardens. It may also be found in open deciduous and riparian woodlands and areas of secondary growth. These particular photos were taken at a backyard birdfeeder in Vernon, NY