American Goldfinch (Chardonneret jaune)

     This morning when I got out of bed and looked out the window, the first thing I saw in the Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) was a couple of male American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis) and I was struck by the sheer beauty of this species. It is so familiar, literally in the garden every day, sometimes twenty or thirty at a time when all the feeders are full, and we take it for granted, I suppose.

     As I was looking at the two birds in the tree, no more than two metres away, I began to think about European common species and European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) and Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) sprang immediately to mind. These two familiar species, well known to all and much loved, are featured frequently on blogs, and seem to have universal appeal.
     Perhaps it is time to cast American Goldfinch in similar light.

     The favourite food of American Goldfinches is the seed of thistle plants, but they do not hesitate to feed on the seeds of garden plants either, as is shown by these females in our backyard.

     The species is widespread across the continent and remains with us in Ontario during the winter, surviving cold temperatures and wintry gales.

     It has a cheery, easily recognizable song, often given in flight. Locally it is sometimes referred to as Wild Canary!

♀

     I am sure that you will agree that this is a handsome species, worthy of our appreciation, and I vow to pay more attention to it from now on.

     It shows a great fondness for sunflower seeds. I will have to make sure the feeders are stocked to the brim tomorrow!