A Purple (left) en- Frequently Asked Questions joys Sunflower Hearts and About Finch FOOD: an (right, in winter ) B i r d s - I - V i e w munches on a 50/50 blend Q. What do eat? of Sunflower heart chips A. Finches utilize many small grass and and Nyjer . flower seed in nature and are built to shell tiny Frequently Asked Questions seeds easily. At Backyard feeders they will Q. Do Goldfinches migrate in winter? FAQ consume Nyjer Seed (traditionally referred to as A. In much of the US, including the Mid- “” in the industry, but now west, Goldfinch are year-round residents. about more correctly referred to as “Nyjer”). They also There are areas of the US that only experi- consume Black Oil sunflower Seed and LOVE ence Goldfinch in the Winter and parts of Goldfinches and Sunflower HEARTS whether whole or in fine northern US and Canada only have them chips. In recent years, more and more backyard during breeding season. Check out the nota- Finch Food! birders are feeding Sunflower hearts (which ble difference between the Goldfinch’s does not have a shell) either alone or combined plumage in the winter and during breeding with the traditional Nyjer seed (which DOES season on the cover of this brochure! Q. What other finches can I see at feeders used by Goldfinch? A. Year-round as well as non- finch like chickadees, tufted Titmouse, and Downy Woodpecker will en- joy your finch feeder. In the winter months Sunflower Nyjer Seed BIV Special Finch heart Chips Has a shell Mix ( 50/50 sunf Pine Siskins, , and even a Red- No shell and and is about 100% food heart chips + Nyjer) poll might share your finch feeder. See the 40% Food inside of this Brochure form more de- have a shell). Because they have become famil- tailed info on these special birds! iar with Sunflower hearts in recent years, Gold- Q. When do Goldfinch nest? finches will often chose this shell-free food over A. American Goldfinch are considered Late nesters, usually nest- Nyjer. One important note: also prefer Winter plumage Breeding season plumage Sunflower hearts over Nyjer seed! ing in July. Therefore, they are not as territo- Q. Is Nyjer Seed the same seed as the noxious rial as other birds in Birds-I-View invasive thistle seen growing in fields and the spring and we get yards? to see them flocking 573-638-BIRD(2473) A. NO! Nyjer is related to aster plants together at our feed- and not the invasive “Canada thistle” that ers! Goldfinch are easi- www.birds-i-view.biz has been detrimental to our native plants. ly attracted to nesting material of natural cot- Confusion about that arose due to the tra- ton fibers, hair and fur. Committed to providing Products & ditional habit of bird seed vendors refer- Information that Benefit Wildlife ring to Nyjer as “Thistle Seed”. Birds-I-View Learning Page Comparing: Common , , and American Goldfinch

Many areas of the U.S. are fortunate to have Common , Pine All Photos by Siskins, and Goldfinch during the Winter months– some winters in Steve Garr great numbers, other winters not so many. Although American Goldfinch are present all year long in many areas, they certainly have brighter, more vibrant plumage during the summer breeding season than during the winter. Often, these three species can be found together foraging for natural food in trees, or at bird baths and feeding stations. Pine Siskin The next time you have a winter Common Redpoll

of Goldfinch in your yard, be sure to take a closer look to see who else might be there, too!

Birds-I-View Pine Siskin 512 Ellis Blvd Jefferson City, MO 65101 573-638-BIRD(2473 See more Learning Pages and Educational

Brochures at: (Winterplumage)

www.birds-i-view.biz American Goldfinch American

House Finch Making Comparisons American Goldfinch at your feeder!

Sometimes the only “view” of Pine Siskin birds at your feeder is the angle that blocks your view of much of the birds! It is helpful to be able to identify who is at your feeder with out having to see Pine Siskin the bird’s head. Check out the differences in these birds by Above: Both the Pine Siskin and Goldfinch Above: Both the Pine Siskin and House Finch looking at their tails. (see notes have “forked” or “notched” tails, however note show striping at this angle...however the Siskin under photos left and right) how white the underside of the Goldfinch is has a forked or “notched” tail, while the House compared to the stripes on the Pine Siskin. Finch’s tail is more squared. Printed on Recycled Paper