Topic: Attracting American Goldfinches - Stacey 

From time to time, the NBFS receives questions from our members and the general public.  When we receive a question that is of interest to our members, we will post it on the Backyard Bird Chat and our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Question - How do I attract American Goldfinches to my bird feeders?

Answer - The American Goldfinch is one of the most common birds to visit bird feeders throughout the United States.  It can also be one of the most difficult to initially attract.  Once the goldfinch does begin visiting your feeders, the species can often disappear for several days, presumably because there is an abundant natural food source in the area.  A tube feeder filled with Nyjer^® is the preferred bird feeder / bird seed combination.  In terms of feeder placement, consider having your bird feeder in a more open area, approximately 10 feet from a larger tree.  Goldfinches naturally forage in more open areas, and a feeder mounted to a pole or shepherd's hook 10 feet from a tree should be far enough away to reduce cat predation, and provide goldfinches with nearby cover in case a hawk is in the area.

Enjoy feeding the birds!
Stacey  

Re: Attracting American Goldfinches - Kip

It seems that House Finches seem to frighten away most birds present at my feeders.  Just wondering if there is any way to 'work in' other birds in the same area.

Re: Attracting American Goldfinches - Stacey

Hi Kip,

One thing you might try is an upside-down Nyjer^® feeder.  These feeders have perches above the feeder ports, requiring birds to feed upside down. Learn more about the bird feeder types that will attract a wide range of wild birds to your yard.

Enjoy feeding the birds!
Stacey