Pretty Bird of the Day
The American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
American Goldfinch
Look
This is a small yellow bird. The male is bright yellow in summer. He has black wings, a black tail, and a black cap.
Sound
The goldfinch has a light, sweet song. It may sound like it is saying po-ta-to-chip as it flies. Its notes rise and fall in a cheerful pattern.
Listen to the Bird Song
American Goldfinch, shared from my haikubox, April 27, 2026
Action
It flies in a bouncy path. It eats many small seeds. It may cling to seed heads and feeder perches.
Place
In Ontario, this bird can be seen in yards, fields, gardens, and open places. It often visits feeders with sunflower seeds or nyjer seed.
Read and Say
The goldfinch sings from the feeder.
Think
Have you seen a small yellow bird in your yard?
Listen Again
Listen for:
- light, sweet notes
- a bouncy song pattern
- the po-ta-to-chip flight call