Sunday 25 August 2024

American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Spinus (bird mentioned by Aristophanes) tristis ("sad")

Adult male American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) at Writing-on-Stone NP, Alberta, Canada -July 2024

Featured Subspecies: Spinus tristis tristis
Weight: 11-20g  /  Length: 11-14cm  /  Wingspan: 19-22cm
NO UK STATUS IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Despite the name, not a close relation of the European Goldfinch, but rather a more common relative of the Siskins. A widespread and common bird that has benefitted from human presence - as forests have been cleared grasslands have filled the gaps, a habitat it is much more able to adjust to. The male is very striking, being the only common bright yellow bird in much of it's range.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Fringillidae
Genus: Spinus
SUBSPECIES: S. t. tristis, S. t. pallidus, S. t. jewetti, S. t. salicamans

 - Sighting Locations -

CANADA -Breeds in the Sourthern parts of Canada.
  - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: - Seen at Writing-on-Stone NP

UNITED STATES - Found over the entire Lower 48 at different times of the year, migrating South.
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Fairly common throughout

 Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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