8 Fun Facts About Goldfinch You Must Know

If you’re always feeling down, take a moment to admire one of nature’s most cheerful birds – the goldfinch. Goldfinches are irreplaceable members of our ecosystem, and their cheerful songs are a joy to hear. Not only are they beautiful creatures, but they’re also curious, playful, and intelligent.

Besides, goldfinches are very social creatures and make great friends. If you’re looking for something to brighten your day, take a look at these fun facts about goldfinches!

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1. Goldfinch Flocks Are Called Charms

A flock of goldfinches is called a charm because they are known for their cheerful songs. These birds live in flocks, and each member of the flock contributes to the overall soundscape by singing.

2. The American Goldfinches Are Very Acrobatic Bird

Goldfinches are one of the most popular bird species in North America. Native Americans know them for their acrobatic skills. In fact, they can eat upside down from a sunflower one moment and then eat standing upright the next.

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3. Goldfinch Flocks Make Identical Calls

You can hear the distinctive calls of goldfinches throughout the year. Goldfinch pairs make nearly identical calls, which helps to identify them from a distance. They are also highly social birds who enjoy spending time together. Typically, they build their nests in trees near water sources and often feed their young by bringing food to the nest.

4. Goldfinches Use Their Feathers For Insulation

Apart from their beautiful singing voices, goldfinches interestingly have insulation around their body. Their feathers also help them regulate their body temperature. Also, you can easily notice them for their beautiful golden feathers, which they use to ward off predators.

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5. European Goldfinch And American Goldfinch Are Different

Most people think of the goldfinch as a close relative of the European goldfinch, but this is not actually the case. The American goldfinch is actually a member of the finch family and is distinguished from the European goldfinch by its much brighter coloring. American goldfinches are also smaller and have flatter heads.

Meanwhile, you can primarily find goldfinches in North America, Central America, and South America. Although we see them wander into Europe somewhat occasionally.

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6. Nyjer And Sunflower Seeds Attract Goldfinches

Another fun fact about goldfinches is their beautiful yellow and black plumage, as well as their musical songs. Goldfinches live in North America, Europe, and Asia, and can be found in many diverse habitats.

Goldfinches feed on seeds, particularly those of sunflowers. They will often search for these seeds in open areas near water or under logs. When they find a seed they like, they will swallow it whole and then chew it up so that they can break it properly.

To attract goldfinches to your backyard, put out a nyjer bird feeder and make sure to include plenty of sunflower seeds!

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7. Goldfinch Love Water

Goldfinches typically build their nests in trees, but they will also construct them on the ground if necessary.

Goldfinches like to drink water from small ponds and puddles, and you can see their nests in these sources.

8. Goldfinches Have An Outstanding Flight Call

Goldfinches have a unique flight call that enables them to forage for food in the morning hours. This flight call, called the “Kek-kek” sound, is made by raising their voice and singing in a high-pitched tone.

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When the goldfinch starts to sing, its voice is so clear and high-pitched that it can be heard up to two miles away! This impressive ability is thanks to its special syrinx—a vocal organ located in the bird’s throat. The syrinx allows the goldfinch to produce different sounds at different frequencies, which helps it communicate with other birds in its flock.

Final Verdict

Not only does this flight call help the goldfinch stay connected to its flock, but it also helps them find their food. By singing in a specific sequence, they are able to identify various types of seeds and insects.

Do you have experience with goldfinches? Share it in the comment section or share it in the Facebook group–Backyard Birds with Kingsyard.

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4 comments

comments user
Bonnie Hofmann

I have a goldfinch that comes everyday on my windows. Not just one window but multiple windows. He just sits there and hits his beak and body against the window. When I go by the window he just sits there looking at me.
Is this normal behavior? He has been doing this for 2 weeks. He appears to be a young bird.
Thank you for your advice.

    comments user
    Edward

    Hey Bonnie, as I know, Goldfinches can become territorial during breeding season, which typically occurs in spring and summer. If the bird sees its reflection in the window, it might mistake it for another male intruding into its territory.

    You may close the window so that it won’t do it again.

comments user
Peggy

We have a male goldfinch that visits us on our windowsill. When we approach, he does not seem afraid and stays for a while as we talk to it. He usually stops by at 10:00 am or 3:00 pm. At first I thought he must be a pet, but I don’t think he is. Have you ever heard of a visiting goldfinch before?

comments user
Edward

Hey Bonnie, as I know, Goldfinches can become territorial during breeding season, which typically occurs in spring and summer. If the bird sees its reflection in the window, it might mistake it for another male intruding into its territory.

You may close the window so that it won’t do it again.

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