| |
The Washington State Bird
American Goldfinch
The Washington State bird is the American Gold finch (Spinus tristis), and is commonly seen around San Juan Island. This sweet little bird, sometimes called the Willow Goldfinch, or Wild Canary, is a migratory bird that can be seen all across North America, in the northern regions during summer months and moving south during the colder, winter months when food is harder to find.  Interestingly, human interaction has had a positive impact on goldfinch (or gold finch) populations, due particularly to birdseed feeders. With the dependable winter food source, the American Goldfinch will often stay north far longer into the winter months as survival is not dependent upon warmer climates to find seeds. They prefer fields and meadows, orchards and backyard garden areas, a preference that, unlike a majority of animal species, actually benefits by the deforestation surrounding our expanding human presence. American Goldfinches thrive in the open areas created by deforestation, areas composed mostly of grasses, weeds, and thistles,
 The photo above shows a male goldfinch, displaying the classic lemon coloring. Both male and female goldfinches molt twice a year, giving their plumage a distinctly different color depending on the season. The male American goldfinch has a brilliant yellow color during spring and summer months. The fall molt sheds all the bright yellow feathers, making both male and female birds an olive-brown with a lighter underside. The spring molt sheds this darker, winter plumage, especially in the male, to reveal the familiar bright yellow coloring necessary to attract a mate. Female goldfinches are mostly brown, with a light yellow, almost greenish bib area, and closely resembles the male during winter months.
Goldfinches are small, about 5" long, and fly in what is known as a "roller coaster" pattern, sort of an undulating, bouncy path. They nest quite late in the summer, when their seed food source is at its peak.
Along with the Washington State bird, the American Gold finch, get more bird facts and information for the following birds, commonly seen around San Juan Island. Click any of these text links or photos to go to a new page.
I've found a wonderful source for binoculars that you might find helpful. They review and compare all types of binoculars, which takes a bunch of the stress out of getting a pair. Try them out! Buyers Guide to Binoculars - The best binocular reviews and ratings of the top brands, guides and binoculars comparison to help you find the right ones for you.
Try these links to birding in other areas around the world. Print out these animal coloring pages for your kids or anyone who likes being creative.
Jump to see any of the Washington State birds: Belted Kingfisher, Pelagic Cormorant, American Bald Eagle, Sea Hawk, Red Tailed Hawk, Coopers Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Common Raven, Pileated Woodpecker, Trumpeter Swan, Rufous Hummingbird, Great Blue Heron, Red Winged Blackbird.
Return to Simply San Juan from Washington State Bird -- American Goldfinch.
|
