American Gold Finches arrive in our area around mid-November each year and stay until early April.

Young males are bright yellow with shiny black feathers and a bit of white. Females are duller in color.

Gold Finches travel in flocks, from six to sixty.

 

Food

Gold Finches are vegetarians. They feed on thistle, composite plants, and native milkweed. Due to the lack of thistle and composite plants in the winter months they have adapted to eating Nyjer ™ and shelled black oil sunflower chips.

Nyjer ™ is the seed of the African Daisy and the only imported seed we carry. Nyjer ™ is a very small, oily seed.

Not only are Gold Finches vegetarians, but they are also very picky eaters.

If your Nyjer seed is dry, they will not eat it.

Our Finch Blend, a mixture of Nyjer ™ and black oil sunflower chips, is a popular go to seed for Finches of all varieties. 

 

 

 

 

Feeders

The best feeder for Gold Finches is a tube feeder. Our Wild Birds Unlimited Finch Feeders are specially made for their small, conical bills.

Multiple perches allow many birds in the flock to eat at the same time.

Gold Finches have also been known to eat on mesh feeders, platform feeders, and Hopper feeders.

How to Attract Gold Finches to Your Yard

The best way to attract Gold Finches to your yard is with a water source.

All birds need water all year. Gold Finches tend to stay in close proximity to water and food sources.