Philadelphia, PA - New Jersey waited long to name its state bird, a goldfinch. In its 159th meeting, the New Jersey legislature chose this bird as the state's official symbol. It shares this state symbol with six other states. But today, the goldfinch isn't the only bird that calls the Garden State home.
The Garden State's Golden Gem: An Expert Guide to the American Goldfinch
In 1935, the New Jersey Legislature officially designated the Eastern Goldfinch (Spinus tristis), also known as the American Goldfinch, as the state bird. This vibrant and cheerful songbird is a perfect symbol for the Garden State, reflecting the beauty and resilience of its natural landscapes. With its brilliant yellow plumage and lively, acrobatic flight, the goldfinch is a beloved backyard visitor and a fascinating subject for birdwatchers. This guide, grounded in ornithological facts and expert observation, provides an in-depth look at New Jersey's state bird.
Identifying the American Goldfinch: A Bird for All Seasons
The American Goldfinch is a small finch, but its appearance changes dramatically with the seasons, which can sometimes confuse novice birders.
- Breeding Male: In the spring and summer, the male is unmistakable. He boasts a brilliant, canary-yellow body, a striking black cap on his forehead, and black wings with distinct white bars.
- Female: The female is more subdued in color, with a duller, olive-yellow body that helps her camouflage while nesting. She lacks the male's black cap.
- Winter Plumage: After the breeding season, both sexes molt into a much duller, brownish-tan plumage. The male loses his black cap entirely. This change often leads people to think their backyard goldfinches have disappeared, when in fact they have just changed their outfits for the winter.
Unique Behaviors & Interesting Facts
- The Late Nester: American Goldfinches are one of the last songbirds to nest each year, often waiting until late July or early August. This unique timing is directly tied to their diet and nesting materials. They build their incredibly tight, cup-like nests using the downy fluff from thistles and milkweed, which become abundant in late summer.
- A Strict Vegetarian (Granivore): Unlike most birds that feed insects to their young, goldfinches are strict vegetarians, or granivores. They feed their nestlings a regurgitated paste of seeds. This is why you'll find them flocking to feeders with Nyjer® (thistle) seed and black oil sunflower seeds, while ignoring suet or insect feeders.
- Acrobatic Flight: Goldfinches have a distinctive, bouncy, "roller-coaster" flight pattern. As they fly, they often make a sharp, rhythmic call that sounds like "po-ta-to-chip, po-ta-to-chip."
How to Attract Goldfinches to Your New Jersey Backyard
You can easily attract these beautiful birds to your own garden with a few simple steps:
- Provide the Right Seeds: The number one way to attract goldfinches is by offering Nyjer® (thistle) seed in a specialized sock or tube feeder with small ports. They also love black oil sunflower seeds.
- Plant Their Favorite Foods: Goldfinches are drawn to native plants like sunflowers, coneflowers (Echinacea), and asters. Planting a patch of native thistle will make your yard a true goldfinch paradise.
- Offer Fresh Water: A shallow birdbath for drinking and bathing is a welcome feature for all backyard birds, including goldfinches.
A Shared Symbol
The American Goldfinch's wide appeal is evident in the fact that New Jersey shares this state bird with two other states: Iowa and Washington. Its cheerful presence in open woodlands, meadows, and suburban backyards makes it a beloved symbol across the country.
Sources:
- The Cornell Lab of Ornithology (allaboutbirds.org)
- National Audubon Society
- New Jersey Audubon
- State of New Jersey - Official State Symbols
- United States Geological Survey (USGS) Bird Banding Laboratory
- Reputable ornithological field guides
Share This Article on Social Media
