Bright, cheerful, and delightfully active, the American Goldfinch is a backyard favorite. But did you know these colorful birds live very different rhythms than many of our other songbirds? August is one of the best times of year to enjoy them in Michigan, and here’s why.
Late to the Nesting Party
Most birds start nesting in spring, but goldfinches take their time. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, American Goldfinches are among the latest nesters in North America, often beginning in July or even August.
Why so late?
They time their nesting to coincide with peak seed production, especially from thistle and other native plants. This ensures a steady supply of food for their chicks — a diet of seeds and plant matter, not insects like many other baby birds receive.
Molting Into Fall
Once nesting wraps up, goldfinches go through a big transformation. In late summer and early fall, they molt — replacing their bright yellow breeding plumage with a more subdued olive-brown for the winter months.
And here’s a fascinating detail: Goldfinches even change their leg and bill colors!
- Breeding season: Their legs and bills turn a striking orange, enhancing their bold summer look.
- Winter: They shift to a grayish, drabber tone that helps them blend into their surroundings.
This seasonal makeover makes goldfinches one of the most visually dynamic backyard birds you can enjoy.
How to Attract More Goldfinches
Goldfinches are easy to bring to your backyard if you know what they love:
- Nyjer (thistle) seed: A goldfinch favorite. Make sure it’s fresh, as they’ll turn away from old or dried seed.
- Finch feeders: Tube feeders with small holes are ideal for their tiny bills.
- Native plants: Coneflowers, sunflowers, and native thistles provide natural food and nesting materials.
August: The Month of Goldfinches
With their nesting in full swing and molting season just ahead, August is prime time to watch goldfinches in your yard. Look for family groups at your feeders and listen for their cheerful “per-chick-o-ree!” calls as they bounce through the sky in their signature undulating flight.
Want to make your yard a goldfinch paradise?
Stop by Wild Birds Unlimited Toledo to explore our selection of fresh Nyjer seed, specialized finch feeders, and more to keep these beauties coming back all season long.