The American goldfinch is a popular pet bird known for its bright yellow plumage. Taking proper care of these lively little birds requires an understanding of their natural history, nutritional needs, housing requirements, and health concerns. With the right approach, goldfinches can thrive under human care.
What is the natural history of American goldfinches?
American goldfinches (Spinus tristis) are native songbirds found widely across North America. Their breeding range stretches across southern Canada and the central and eastern United States. Goldfinches migrate south for the winter, traveling as far as Mexico.
These small finches measure 4-5 inches in length and weigh just 0.4-0.7 ounces. The male American goldfinch has bright lemon-yellow plumage on the body and black wings with white markings. Females and juveniles have an olive-brown body and lack the male’s vibrant yellow coloring. All goldfinches molt twice a year, which means their plumage changes seasonally.
Goldfinches are highly social and gather in large flocks numbering in the dozens or even hundreds of birds. They have a bouncy, acrobatic flight pattern and love to perch on tall swaying plants like thistles. Goldfinches are primarily seed-eaters and forage on the ground or pluck seeds directly from plants.
What do goldfinches eat in the wild?
American goldfinches are specialized seed-eaters. Their natural diet consists primarily of seeds from plants like thistles, sunflowers, asters, and grasses. They use their conical bills to crack open seeds and extract the kernel inside.
Here are some of the main seeds and plant products in the natural diet of American goldfinches:
- Thistle seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Nyjer or thistle finch seeds
- Grass seeds
- Dandelion seeds
- Milkweed seeds
- Aster seeds
- Fruit tree buds
- Elm seeds
- Birch seeds
- Willow buds
Goldfinches supplement their primarily seed-based diet with insects, especially in spring and summer when feeding young. They will eat small insects and larvae like aphids, caterpillars, beetles, and flies.
What is the best diet for captive goldfinches?
In captivity, American goldfinches should be fed a diet that mimics their wild food sources as closely as possible. A good finch mix or seed blend should make up 60-80% of the diet. This should contain a variety of small seeds suited to goldfinch beaks like nyjer, canary grass, and thistle. Supplement with hulled sunflower seeds which are a goldfinch favorite.
For the rest of the diet, offer:
- Dried greens like kale, spinach, and dandelion leaves
- Sprouted or germinated seeds
- Hard boiled egg with shell
- Chopped fruits and berries like apples, grapes, bananas
- Live mealworms or crickets
- Finch or songbird pellets
- Cuttlebone for calcium
- Fresh water for drinking and bathing
Avoid seed mixes with lots of filler seeds like milo, wheat, corn, and peas which goldfinches won’t eat. Clean the feeder daily and check food for signs of spoilage or contamination.
What kind of cage or housing do goldfinches need?
American goldfinches are active birds that need as large a cage as possible. Minimum requirements for cage size are:
- Length: 30 inches
- Width: 18 inches
- Height: 18 inches
The bar spacing between cage wires should be no more than 1/2 inch. Narrow spacing prevents the goldfinch from squeezing out between the bars.
Place the cage in a bright room away from drafts, direct sunlight, or noise. Avoid housing male goldfinches together, as they will fight. Female goldfinches may be housed together if raised from a young age.
Cages for goldfinches should contain:
- Multiple perches of different widths
- Dishes for food and water
- Toys like swings, mirrors, and hanging treats
- Several places to hide like boxes, tents, or tubes
Line the cage bottom with absorptive substrate like pelleted paper, finely chopped hay, or recycled newspaper. Avoid sandpaper perch covers which can damage goldfinch feet.
Do goldfinches need exercise outside their cage?
Goldfinches are active birds that need ample opportunity to fly outside their cage each day in order to stay healthy. A flight cage or aviary where the birds can freely fly is ideal.
If that isn’t possible, let pet goldfinches out for supervised playtime in a closed room for at least an hour daily. Make sure windows are closed and potential hazards like ceiling fans, other pets, or toxic houseplants are removed. Open blinds or curtains so the goldfinch can look outside.
Have a dedicated play gym in the goldfinch’s room with activities like swings, ladders, and perches to keep them entertained and exercised.
How do you tame an American goldfinch?
With time and patience, goldfinches can become quite tame as pets. Here are some tips for taming:
- Start handling goldfinches from a young age if possible
- Interact gently and positively – don’t grab suddenly
- Offer treats like nyjer seeds from your hand
- Sit near cage and talk softly to get them used to you
- Move slowly and let them adjust to new environments
- Reward desired behaviors with treats or praise
Goldfinches are intelligent birds that can learn tricks. Try clicker training them to come, spin, or fly to your hand.
What health issues do captive goldfinches face?
With proper care, goldfinches are hardy birds, but they can develop certain health conditions in captivity. Be alert for these common goldfinch health problems:
- Obesity – from poor diet or lack of exercise
- Vitamin A deficiency – causes blindness and bone issues
- Psittacosis – bacterial infection also called parrot fever
- Conjunctivitis – eye infection causing redness and swelling
- Scaly face and leg mites – parasites causing crusty skin
- Feather plucking – results from stress, poor diet, or boredom
Take unwell goldfinches to an avian vet promptly for diagnosis and treatment. Prevent health issues by feeding a varied diet, cleaning the cage weekly, isolating new birds, and watching for early signs of illness.
Do goldfinches make good pets?
Here are some key considerations about keeping American goldfinches as pets:
- Goldfinches have charming personalities but are shy initially
- Their soft, musical twittering song is pleasant
- They can learn tricks but aren’t as adept as parrots
- Goldfinches are fast, frequent fliers and need lots of cage space
- They live 6-10 years with proper care
- Goldfinches are social and do best kept singly or in pairs
- They require specialized seed-based diets
- Goldfinch care takes time and specialized knowledge
For the right owner willing to meet their needs, goldfinches can make lively, beautiful additions to the family!
Where can you get an American goldfinch?
There are a few options for obtaining a pet American goldfinch:
- Breeders – contact reputable goldfinch breeders online or via avian societies
- Stores – some specialty bird shops sell captive-bred goldfinches
- Rescue – adopt through a bird rescue organization
- Aviary-bred – tempt wild goldfinches into nest boxes then hand-raise chicks
Avoid taking goldfinches from the wild as this removes them from the population and is often illegal. Make sure any goldfinch you acquire is captive-bred and healthy.
Is it legal to keep an American goldfinch?
Laws regarding keeping American goldfinches as pets vary. Here are some key legal considerations:
- Native wild goldfinches cannot be taken from the wild in the U.S. per the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
- Keeping captive-bred goldfinches as pets is legal in most U.S. states
- Some states like California prohibit keeping native songbirds like goldfinches
- Check state and local laws before acquiring a pet goldfinch
- You may need state and federal permits to breed or sell pet goldfinches
Only obtain pet goldfinches from reputable breeders or stores that follow applicable laws. Always research regulations in your area first.
Conclusion
American goldfinches are delightful little pet birds but require specialized care and housing. Provide a large cage, stimulating activities, a balanced finch diet, and ample supervised flying time. Work gently and patiently to socialize goldfinches and watch for any signs of illness. With the right approach, you’ll be rewarded with a lively splash of sunshine in your home!