Beautiful American goldfinch

Since it rarely eats insects, the American goldfinch flocks to nyjer and hulled sunflower seed-filled feeders and seedheads of plants like coneflower (Echinacea spp. and hybrids) and black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp. and hybrids).

The male American goldfinch begins to molt its tan and white winter feathers in late spring, to prepare for an early summer mating season. Most of its body becomes a brilliant bright yellow, just like the male on the left.

During the mating season, the female American goldfinch has an olive-brown upper body and yellow underside, similar to the female in the inset photo.

Very social, the American goldfinch often flies in a large flock, making its distinctive call, which sounds like the words “potato chip.”