American Goldfinch Watching in Oregon

The American Goldfinch is fairly common throughout the US and southern Canada, and they are abundant in Oregon, especially in summer. About 5 inches long at maturity, these birds change their looks throughout the year, ranging from bright yellow in summer to a very dull and pale color in winter. They also molt twice each year, which can leave them looking somewhat strange in the transition.American Goldfinches eat only seeds if they can help it, though they've been known to ingest some insects during summers. They are very popular at backyard feeding stations in Oregon, as they'll eat sunflower seeds out of nearly any type of feeder, as well as spilled seeds from the ground.

Habitats for American Goldfinches

These birds can be found in a wide variety of habitats, except for dense forests. They live year round in Oregon east of the Willamette Valley, and only spend winters nearer the coast. They usually nest in taller shrubs, and spend their days looking for seeds in fields and open grasslands. American Goldfinches are also common in backyards and suburban parks, so they are among the easier birds to spot in the state.

Best seasons to see American Goldfinches in Oregon

The American Goldfinch prefers a climate where it never falls below freezing, so during winter they are often found near the coast, though many of these birds live all year round in the eastern parts of the state.

American Goldfinches in Oregon summary

Typical habitat: Fields, parks, backyards
Seasons: All year round
Abundance: Fairly common in the right habitat

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