Birdfeeders Suitable for American Goldfinches

American Goldfinches, like other members of the finch family are mainly seed eaters and they will eat seeds from a wide variety of plants including ragweed, sunflowers, alder etc. Their preferred food however are Nyjer seeds which come from Africa and placing these in a suitable finch feeder will surely attract these lovely birds to your garden.

The House Finch

This small songbird is found in many parts of the US and Canada although it is a native of Mexico and the western USA. It is a social bird and usually seen in flocks. The House Finch is a small, slender bird at between 5” and 5 3/4” long with a short bill and square tipped tail. The female is brown but the male is more colorful with red chest, rump and crown. The red coloring is attractive to the females who have been shown to prefer the brighter colored males!

House Finches nest in many different locations including holes in walls, window ledges, planters and evergreen trees. The nest is shallow, made from twigs, grass and leaves and lined with fine fibers and feathers. Three to six eggs are laid and incubated for two weeks with the nestlings being fed by both the parents. A second batch of eggs are laid after the nestlings leave the nest around fifteen days later. Three or more broods may be raised each summer.

Birdhouses Suitable for the House Finch

A birdhouse of dimensions 8” x 5 1/2” x 5 1/2” is suitable with a two inch entrance hole which is located about 6” above the floor. The birdhouse should be preferably be placed on a post about ten feet above the ground.

Birdfeeders Suitable for the House Finch

House finches eat grains, fruit, seeds and buds including thistle, sunflower and canary seeds. Favorite fruits are mulberries, papaya and cherries and they will also eat parts of flowers. They search the ground for food and will be attracted to platform type feeders with breadcrumbs and suet. Place the feeder close to high perches or trees to give the House Finch added security. They also need to drink often so provide a source of fresh water. janetra