The American Goldfinch is a year-round resident throughout much of its range [Middleton 1993 (BNA)]. The northern limits of its breeding range extend across central and southern Canada, while the southernmost breeding areas include parts of Mississippi and Louisiana. In the west, the breeding range occurs as far south as central Nevada and Utah. North of New England and the Great Lakes in the east, American Goldfinches are migratory. South of this limit, the species is resident in most states. Goldfinches winter, but do not breed, in the southern U.S. and along the east coast of Mexico [Middleton 1993 (BNA)].
American Goldfinches use open, weedy habitats during the breeding season and spring and fall migrations. Their diet consists almost entirely of seeds in all seasons. In the winter, goldfinches may form very large nomadic flocks to seek out their food source and often rely on seed from birdfeeders in the northern parts of their range [Middleton 1993 (BNA)].
American Goldfinches are presumed to be diurnal migrants [Middleton 1978]. Because the species is resident throughout much of its range and the extent of migration varies greatly depending on locality, migratory movements have been difficult to define [Middleton 1993, Veit and Petersen 1993]. However, spring migration is known to peak between mid-April and early June, while fall migration peaks between late October and mid-December [Middleton 1993 (BNA)]. American Goldfinches are one of the latest passerine breeders in the temperate zone. They begin nesting in late June or early July in the east [Middleton 1993 (BNA)], and may nest into early September in Massachusetts [Veit and Petersen 1993]. Eastern migratory movements generally follow the Atlantic coastline [Middleton 1993 (BNA)].
|
|
 |
Observations
This predominantly open-habitat species was evenly distributed in A, B and C sites, except for peak numbers in Vermont A and B sites. Arrivals peaked significantly in period 3 in VT, with lesser peaks in period 4 in the three more southerly states.
Goldfinches were often observed in flocks, the two maximum transect totals being 37 and 26 in CT and MA respectively; both A sites in 1997. The largest single circle flock was of 20 birds in period 2 in NH, 1997. |
|
|
|
|
