Hey! A new bird species? What’s going on here?
The American Goldfinch may look a little patchy at the feeder this spring, but this male is only going through his spring molt. He’ll lose all feathers but those on the wing and tail. When he’s finished, he’ll be the familiar breeding lemon yellow and black. Read more about these finches and their unique twice-a-year molt HERE.
So much fun to watch them transform into their summer outfits! Summer is on its way!!
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It takes weeks for these fellas to complete the spring molt. It’s probably why they don’t breed until late June or July. Hurry up summer!
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