Goldfinches forage for food during the daytime, usually in the company of other species. During winter months these roaming flocks can include large numbers of individuals, and in some cases include other species like chickadees and sparrows. Flocks seem to move in rolling, “leap-frog” manner that is beautiful to watch as they traverse open fields. If it seems like you have American Goldfinches at your feeders for much of the day, it is likely they are not the same birds same day, but individuals from a number of foraging flocks for which your feeder is a daily stop. Wintering goldfinches roam over large distances in search of food. Birds living in the north of their range migrate south. Mid-range and southern ones are year-long residents.
Introduction to Hummingbirds
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Comprehensive Overview of Spinus tristis (American Goldfinch)
