How to Attract American Goldfinches
People in areas from southern Canada and throughout the continental United States live in the range where American goldfinches live, according to Brandeis University. The cheerful yellow color of the male in summer and the lively behaviors make the bird a favorite at feeders. The goldfinch holds the status of state bird in three states – Iowa, New Jersey and Washington. You may improve your chances of making this finch a regular feeder by providing it with a tempting environment.
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Instructions
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Providing places for the finches to build nests helps establish them in your area. Favorite nesting places include thick shrubs and pine trees, according to Fairfax County Public Schools. Thinned shrubs might appear neater, but allowing them to become dense gives birds a safer place for raising babies.
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Grow plants in your yard that they prefer, such as thistles and milkweed, to increase the appeal of your yard, suggests Cornell University. Plant other food that goldfinches enjoy, including sunflowers, dandelions, evening primrose and American elm. The American goldfinch prefers thistle, according to Brandeis University.
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Feeders provide food during times with limited natural food sources. Place feeders with thistle to attract the goldfinches. Use special thistle feeders with small openings to help decrease loss of feed. Set up general feeders with sunflowers and other seeds to provide variety. Keep the feeders full year round, as American goldfinches use feeders more often in winter months.
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Keep your feeders clean to help avoid spreading disease or making the food unappealing due to mold or clumping. Keeping the ground clean under the feeders helps prevent the spread of bird diseases, advised Cornell University.
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Tips & Warnings
Help keep predators, such as loose cats and squirrels, from stalking your feeders and birds. Contact your local humane society regarding traps for cats if you need assistance. Avoid ground feeding to decrease attracting squirrels.
Select the right thistle seed for goldfinches, usually labeled as thistle or nyger seeds. Goldfinches use the pink prickly thistle for nesting, not food, according to University of Florida Nassau County Extension.
House finch eye disease causes a decreased population in American goldfinches. Observe the birds at your feeders for signs of eye disease or injuries and report problems to your local agriculture extension agent.
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