30 March 2021
Here’s a sure sign of spring: American goldfinches (Spinus tristis) are turning yellow.
In winter both male and female goldfinches are dull. The males have citrine yellow faces, whitish chests, and black wings with white stripes. The females are dull olive brown with buffy stripes on brownish wings.
In February goldfinches begin to molt into breeding plumage but they’re in no hurry to finish since they won’t breed until July. At first the males have “dirty” foreheads and a few yellow patches (below). When a male is nearly finished he’ll have a few dull patches among yellow feathers (top).
His goal is brilliant yellow.
Look closely at goldfinches and you’ll see them turning yellow.
(photos by Marcy Cunkleman and from Wikimedia Commons)
Up until a few days ago, I had 50 to 100 goldfinches on my feeders all day for months, and yes, turning yellow. Now, all of a sudden, just a few per day. They must have found fresher food! (Coastal NC.)
May we’ll be a small hawk in your vicinity. Like a coopers or sharp shinned hawk. My birds scatter and won’t return until the hawk is gone.
Noticed a few at my feeders. A sure sign that spring is here, at least for today!