The American goldfinch is the state bird of Washington. Although they are more common in spring and summer, you can spot a goldfinch any time of the year in our area.

The male American goldfinch in breeding plumage is bright lemon yellow with a black forehead, black wings, and white wing bars. The female is olive green with dusky wings, duller colors that help to conceal her while she is sitting on the nest. In winter, both sexes are grayish or olive-green with buffy wing bars. The males change to their brilliant color in March. The male goldfinch flies in bounding or deeply undulating flight, calling a fast, soft whistle that sounds to some listeners like “per-chick-o-ree” or “po ta to chip”. The nesting and territorial song is a pretty jumble of light, sweet, twittering notes.

This bird makes good use of the thistle plant. Nests built in a tree are lined with thistledown, babies are fed regurgitated milky seed pulp, and goldfinches are especially attracted to thistle seeds at your feeder.