The males have black wings and tails with a black cap and brilliant yellow feathers in summer. The female and male are yellow green in winter.

Their nests are made of small stems and grass, cup-shaped, and are found in forks of trees. They nest in late July. American Goldfinches are found in fields, at roadsides, and in open fields. Their favorite foods are Nyjer seed and black oil sunflower.

For mixes containing Nyjer seed use tube feeders with small openings or select a feeder specifically for Nyjer seed and mixes containing Nyjer seed.  Hang a tube feeder from a tree branch. Even on windy days, finches will delightfully feed on a swaying feeder.

Southern Canada and across the United States.