Why don’t I have any Goldfinches?

The beautiful bright yellow, black-capped American Goldfinch is a welcome visitor to our bird feeders. People sometimes ask why they don’t see goldfinches around their yards when others they know do get them.

American Goldfinches can be found in many parts of the greater Portland area.  Since goldfinches like open spaces, they are more often found near open fields than in densely populated urban areas, or heavily forested areas but they do come to feeders in the city.  Finch species can be highly nomadic, moving around large areas— you may have them for a while and then not.

Goldfinches love Nyjer “thistle” and can be attracted to feeders that distribute that seed. Offer nyjer in a seed stocking, and goldfinches, plus Pine Siskins and other finches, may find it.  They also like Black Oil Sunflower Seed as well. 

Sometimes placing a feeder in a more open area of a yard will help.  In densely populated urban areas they are more often seen in the fall and winter months.  During summer months they are usually in areas with open fields as they nest in the borders of such fields.