American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
The American Goldfinch, known for its vibrant yellow plumage and melodic song, is a small finch that graces the landscapes of Montreal throughout the year. This adaptable bird thrives in various habitats, from urban parks to rural fields, making it a familiar and cherished sight for bird enthusiasts.
| 🇫🇷 | Chardonneret jaune |
| 🇩🇪 | Goldzeisig |
| 🇲🇽 | Jilguero americano |
| Taxonomy | |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
How to Identify
In the summer, both female and male American Goldfinches display vibrant yellow plumage with distinctive black wings accented by white stripes. During the winter, their plumage shifts to an olive hue, yet they retain the characteristic black wings with white stripes.
Tap image to enlarge
Tap image to enlarge
Tap image to enlarge
Tap image to enlarge
Tap image to enlarge
Click on photo to enlarge.
Characteristics
| Length | 11-14cm |
| Weight | 12-20g |
| Wingspan | 19-22cm |
| Clutch Size | 2-7 eggs |
| Incubation | 12-14 days |
| Fledging | 11-17 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 1 year |
| Source | Wikipedia |
Where and When to Spot
During the winter months, American Goldfinches are often seen near feeders in Park Mont-Royal, as well as in other local parks. In the summer, they can be found along ponds and rivers, frequenting areas with reeds and trees.
Observation Records by Park and Season
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boisé Des Douze | x | - | - | - |
| Jardin Botanique de Montréal | x | - | - | x |
| Parc Angrignon | - | x | - | - |
| Parc Michel-Chartrand | x | - | - | x |
| Parc de la Frayère | x | - | - | - |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.