28 Jul American Goldfinches
When you take a look around your garden right now, you’ll likely see most varieties of birds winding down their nesting season. In fact a great number of our native birds are doing the exact same thing: packing up their empty nests and getting ready for their late-summer tasks. However, there is one exception. American Goldfinches are just now getting a late start on their nesting season.
American Goldfinches are just now getting a late start on their nesting season.
What Makes Goldfinches Unique?
The reason for such a noticeable difference comes down to their diet. Unlike other birds in our area who emerge early to munch on Spring bugs, Goldfinches are strict granivores, meaning they only eat seeds, similar to other specialized birds like parrots and doves. Their stout, conical beaks and muscular digestive tracts are specialized to pulverize seeds into mush inside their stomachs. When large composite flowers like Coneflowers start going to seed, Goldfinches will be much more prevalent, trying to snag their favorite foods.
How Can I Attract Goldfinches to My Garden?
Because Goldfinches have such unique behavior for our area, you may have to change some of your gardening habits if you want to attract them.
If you allow your flowers to go to seed, your goldfinches will appreciate it. In particular, they are drawn to Purple Coneflower, Sunflowers, Wild Asters, and Black-Eyed Susans, so having these established in your garden is a big plus.
Natural forage is preferable for goldfinches, but backyard feeders offer extra nutrients that come in handy during nesting season. Because they have those conical beaks, they prefer Nyjer, also known as Thistle, which is an oil rich, tiny black seed high in protein and fat. A great alternative would be Fine Sunflower Chips if you want to avoid the mess of hulls under your feeder. Double check your birdfeeder to make sure it’s a good fit for Goldfinches. Specialized Goldfinch feeders have tiny ports or mesh so larger birds can’t bully them away from the food.
Surviving on a seed-based diet can be incredibly dry. As a result, goldfinches drink significantly more water than your average insect-eating songbird. If you go the birdbath route, consider adding a small bubbler or dripper. The sound and movement of rippling water can catch their attention from high above and let them know a safe hydration station is available.
We have everything you need to attract Goldfinches to your garden. Whether you’re looking for a specialized feeder, birdbath accessories, or just a good deal on Nyjer, stop by the Barn Owl Birdhouse! We sell large and small quantities of a variety of high-quality birdseed mixes. Don’t be afraid to ask for help either! Those forty-pound sacks are no joke.
