Goldfinches are colorful little birds that add beauty and life to any backyard. With their bright yellow plumage accented with black and white markings, goldfinches are a joy to watch as they flit around your feeders and garden. Attracting these small acrobats to your outdoor space isn’t difficult, but does require understanding what goldfinches like and implementing some simple strategies.
What do goldfinches eat?
Goldfinches primarily eat small seeds, particularly those from composite flowers like sunflowers, coneflowers, and asters. They also enjoy nyjer thistle and millet. Here are some of their favorite foods:
- Nyjer or thistle seed – Goldfinches adore these tiny black seeds. Look for nyjer feeders with small perches and openings to cater to goldfinches.
- Sunflower seeds – Black oil sunflower seeds are a goldfinch favorite. Choose sunflower feeders with small perches and ports.
- Millet – This tiny, round seed is readily devoured by goldfinches. Offer it in tube feeders or platform feeders.
- Suet – Goldfinches occasionally eat insect-based suet, especially in winter.
- Fruit – Goldfinches will eat various fruits like mulberries and wild black cherries when available.
Goldfinches sometimes drink nectar from flowers or bird nectar feeders, but not as regularly as hummingbirds. Having a nectar feeder available will interest goldfinches, but isn’t necessary to attract them.
What feeders attract goldfinches?
To appeal to goldfinches specifically, choose feeders designed for their needs:
- Nyjer/thistle feeders – Long, tubular feeders with tiny perch holes are ideal for nyjer seed. Look for metal construction to deter squirrels.
- Tube feeders – Simple, cylindrical tube feeders for offering millet, sunflower chips, and other small seeds goldfinches prefer.
- Platform feeders – Open tray-style feeders allow easy access to millet and sunflower chips.
- Hopper feeders – These enclosed feeders keep seed dry, dispensing it through small openings only goldfinch beaks can reach.
- Suet feeders – Simple mesh bags or wire cages offer suet and cater to goldfinches.
Avoid large mixed seed feeders, as goldfinches can’t easily feed from them. Also skip hummingbird feeders, as the nectar will simply ferment.
Where should I place goldfinch feeders?
Location matters when trying to attract goldfinches. Here are some tips:
- Situate feeders in open areas where goldfinches can see predators coming. They are vulnerable while feeding.
- Place feeders near or in thick bushes or trees. Goldfinches use these for quick escape.
- Elevate feeders 5-6 feet off the ground to make it harder for predators to reach.
- Space multiple feeders widely to reduce competition and allow feeding territories.
Providing several simple tube feeders in open, elevated spots near brushy cover is ideal. Clean feeders regularly to prevent mold and bacteria.
What plants attract goldfinches?
Incorporating certain flowers and vegetation into your landscaping can also draw goldfinches to your yard:
- Coneflowers – All varieties of coneflowers produce abundant seeds finches love.
- Sunflowers – Plant sunflowers for their large seed heads. Single-stem varieties are best.
- Coreopsis – These daisy-like flowers produce many small seeds.
- Asters – The small seeds of New England aster attract finches.
- Zinnias – Various zinnia varieties are favorites of seed-eating birds.
- Native grasses – Grasses produce seeds and provide nesting material.
Prioritize native wildflowers and grasses. Avoid exotic varieties, as they offer little food or shelter for birds. Thick bushes and evergreens also provide cover and nesting spots for goldfinches.
When will goldfinches come to my yard?
Goldfinches are most common visitors during spring and summer. Here are some tips for spotting them by season:
- Winter – Goldfinches are less common in winter but may visit feeders on warmer days or in more southern regions.
- Spring – Their spring plumage isn’t colorful, but you’ll see goldfinches in small flocks eating fresh seeds.
- Summer – Vibrant yellow males and duller females visit yards after breeding season to eat seeds.
- Fall – Goldfinches congregate in large flocks and gorge on seeds to store fat before winter.
While goldfinches prefer warmer months, maintaining feeders year-round will encourage visits during their irregular winter appearances.
What are the best ways to attract goldfinches?
Follow these top tips to make your yard as attractive as possible to goldfinches:
- Provide specialized nyjer and tube feeders filled with preferred seeds like nyjer, millet, and sunflower chips.
- Situate feeders in open areas 5-6 feet off the ground near bushes and trees.
- Plant native wildflowers, grasses, bushes, and evergreens to supplement feeders.
- Offer fresh water from a ground bath or mister.
- Limit pesticide use as goldfinches eat seeds and insects.
By catering to goldfinches’ food preferences and creating a safe habitat, you’re sure to draw these special songbirds to your outdoor space.
Conclusion
With their acrobatic nature and brightly colored feathers, goldfinches bring excitement to any backyard. You can readily attract them by providing specialized nyjer and tube feeders filled with their preferred tiny seeds. Place feeders in open areas near bushes and trees to make goldfinches feel safe. Plantings of native flowers, grasses, and shrubs provide vital food and shelter too. Follow these tips and enjoy the antics and beauty of goldfinches all season long.