Birdstagram
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
Photo: Rodney Campbell · CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Feeder birds

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

The American goldfinch is a small North American bird in the finch family. It is migratory, ranging from mid-Alberta to North Carolina during the breeding season, and from just south of the Canada–United States border to Mexico during the winter.

Quick ID

Small finch; breeding males are lemon yellow with a black cap and black wings.

Scientific name
Spinus tristis
Group
Feeder birds
Main color
Yellow
Conservation (IUCN)
Least concern

Size and shape

The American goldfinch is a small finch, 11–14 cm (4.3–5.5 in) long, with a wingspan of 19–22 cm (7.5–8.7 in).

Diet

The American goldfinch is a diurnal feeder.

Range and habitat

It may also be found in open deciduous and riparian woodlands and areas of secondary growth.

Lifespan

The oldest known American goldfinch was 10 years and 5 months old.

Voice

The song is a series of musical warbles and twitters, often with a long note.

More photos

American Goldfinch
Photo: Darren Swim · CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

American Goldfinch FAQ

How big is the American Goldfinch?

The American goldfinch is a small finch, 11–14 cm (4.3–5.5 in) long, with a wingspan of 19–22 cm (7.5–8.7 in).

What does the American Goldfinch eat?

The American goldfinch is a diurnal feeder.

How long does the American Goldfinch live?

The oldest known American goldfinch was 10 years and 5 months old.

How do I identify a American Goldfinch?

Small finch; breeding males are lemon yellow with a black cap and black wings.

Where does the American Goldfinch live?

It may also be found in open deciduous and riparian woodlands and areas of secondary growth.

Is the American Goldfinch endangered?

No. The IUCN Red List rates the American Goldfinch as least concern (status read from Wikidata).

Facts on this page are summarized from the Wikipedia article on the American Goldfinch (read October 27, 2026) and conservation status from Wikidata. Quick ID notes are Birdstagram's own summary.