Do American Goldfinches Migrate?

American Goldfinch (Thorns) is perhaps one of the most iconic backyard birds. No wonder the bright yellows on the males are bright yellow as they gallop across the meadows, gathering the seeds of summer wildflowers. They are also frequent visitors to bird feeders. Depending on where in North America you live, you may be lucky enough to see these birds year-round while they only appear half the year in other areas.

Now you might be wondering, do American goldfinches migrate?

The short answer is that some American Goldfinches migrate, while others choose to stay in one place and are therefore non-migratory. Depending on weather and food availability, there are areas where goldfinches are on call year-round.

That said, the American Goldfinch is thought to have irregular migration habits. The same individual or group may migrate one year but not the next. Read on to learn more about the migratory habitat of the American Goldfinch!

Female (left) and male (right) American Goldfinch perched on a branch

When Do American Goldfinch Migrate?

Peak migration of American Goldfinch typically occurs in mid-fall and early spring. However, some will remain south of their nesting range in early summer.

Most migratory bird standards consider this to be very late. Their late migration patterns, in turn, lead to a late-summer nesting season, which may be a way of ensuring an adequate late-summer seed supply for their pups.

Where Do American Goldfinch Migrate?

The American Goldfinch typically migrates south for the winter. They then return to their northern breeding and nesting grounds in the spring or summer. However, depending on the region, some may not migrate at all.

Goldfinches have a wide range of habitats. It extends across the southern and central regions of Canada, from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. Birds from these areas often migrate out of Canada for the winter due to the harsh climate.

The goldfinch is a common perennial bird in most of the United States. Exceptions include the far southwest and southeast. Here, they usually only occur in winter. Some American goldfinches will migrate south to the Gulf Coast and into northern Mexico.

Closeup of American Goldfinch in autumn

How far do American goldfinch migrate?

The distances that American goldfinches migrate can vary widely. Some may not venture farther south than the Canadian border, while others fly to the Mexican border or further.

Do All American Goldfinch Migrate?

Not all American Goldfinches migrate. Much depends on food availability and weather conditions that year.

Among goldfinches that migrate in a given year, female goldfinches will usually fly further south than males in winter, while young males will fly further north than adult males.

Male American Goldfinch in non-breeding winter plumage

Why don’t some American goldfinches migrate?

Some American goldfinches do not migrate. In this case, the birds probably live in areas where winters are mild enough and food supplies are plentiful.

The popularity of bird feeders in residential areas has allowed birds like the American Goldfinch to remain in areas they have historically migrated year-round.

Bird feeders provide a steady supply of food that would otherwise not exist in colder northern climates, such as the northeastern United States or southern Canada. That said, goldfinches rarely overwinter in northern regions where temperatures drop below 0°F.

American Goldfinch feeding on Nyjer seeds at a backyard bird feeder

Where Do American Goldfinch Go in Winter?

In winter, the American Goldfinch can be found all over the United States. It is also found in parts of Canada and northern Mexico. Generally, goldfinch leave Canada in the winter, but some stay in the southernmost regions or along the coast – Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Toronto, Manitoba and southern British Columbia .

If you’re looking for these birds in the United States, you can find them wintering in the Northeast from Pennsylvania to northern Maine. They are also abundant in Appalachia and the Southeast. Additionally, they can be found throughout much of the Midwest, the West Coast, and the deserts of the Southwest. Goldfinches are less common in the Dakotas, Nebraska, and Rocky Mountain states.

The goldfinch’s winter range also reaches Mexico. However, there are fewer records of these birds being found there. Reported sightings are usually from the far north.

A small flock of American Goldfinches at a bird feeder in winter

Where Do American Goldfinch Go in Summer?

In summer, the American Goldfinch returns to its northernmost breeding and nesting grounds. This includes southern and central Canada as well as the states of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.

Also, these birds are all-season migrants to most of the United States. Their summer breeding and nesting areas exclude only the hot and/or humid southeast and southwest. In much of the Northeast and Midwest, you’re likely to see them moving across grass and nesting in low shrubs. They are also common summer residents in the American Pacific region.

American Goldfinch eating sunflower seeds in summer

Why is my goldfinch missing?

If your goldfinch seems to disappear, there could be several explanations for the cause. First, notice whether the disappearances coincide with seasonal changes. Goldfinches in your backyard may be migrating, either to warmer winter climates or back to their summer breeding and nesting grounds.

However, if you notice goldfinch disappearing during their usual season, they may have found a better food source elsewhere. If you think this might be a contributing factor, try replacing your birdseed. Goldfinches love a mix of seeds including black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, suet, and peanuts. If you only offer a single variety of bird food, the birds may get bored, or the batch of bird food may not be good.

Juvenile American Goldfinch perched on a branch

Goldfinch Migration FAQ

Are Goldfinches around all year round?

Goldfinches do live year-round in some areas of the United States and Canada. They are most likely to occur year-round in the Northeast, lower Midwest, and western Washington, Oregon, and California.

Did the goldfinch migrate from Virginia?

Goldfinches don’t typically migrate from northern Virginia, where winter and summer temperatures are more to their liking. However, they may migrate from areas of southern Virginia where summer weather is too warm.

Do Goldfinch Migrate From Minnesota?

Goldfinches typically migrate from northern Minnesota due to harsh winter weather. They’ll probably only go as far as southern Minnesota, though. Winters here tend to be slightly milder, and easy access to bird feeders provides an ample food supply.

American Goldfinch Perched

Did the goldfinch migrate from Canada?

Most goldfinches do migrate from Canada. Due to harsh winters and often sub-zero temperatures, Canadian goldfinches often prefer to migrate to the northern U.S. during that summer, if only slightly south.

Do Goldfinch Hibernate?

Goldfinch do not hibernate. Those living in colder regions of Canada and the United States will migrate south to warmer climates.

Expert Q&A

question

When did the American Goldfinch come to Rhode Island?

The BirdFact team

The American Goldfinch is a year-round resident in Rhode Island, so you should be able to see them year-round. However, the most common months to spot them are from April to mid-September.

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