Where Do American Goldfinches Live? (Habitat, Range + Distribution)

American Goldfinch (Thorns) is a widespread and well-loved songbird. It is known for its vibrant yellow summer plumage, which makes the goldfinch easily recognizable as it flits around meadows and forest edges and feeds.

The American Goldfinch is native to North America – they are widely distributed throughout the continent. Their range ranges from central and southern Canada to the central United States.

These songbirds live year-round in most habitats across the United States. However, populations in northern regions often migrate southward during the winter, expanding into the southern United States and Mexico.

We discuss the range and habitat of the American Goldfinch in more detail throughout this article. Read on to discover more!

The American Goldfinch is widespread in North America, especially from central Canada to the central United States

What is the distribution range of the American Goldfinch?

The American Goldfinch is widely distributed throughout North America. They occur in central and southern Canada during the summer breeding season. Populations also occur across the United States. Although, goldfinch are most common in the Northeast and Midwest.

Flocks of the American Goldfinch are only found in winter in the southern United States and on the West Coast south of Washington. Migrants from northern breeding areas migrate south in winter, reaching northern and eastern Mexico.

Male American Goldfinch in a garden in Marion County, Illinois, USA

Where do American Goldfinch live in the United States?

The American Goldfinch is most common in the northern and central parts of the United States. Their range limits start roughly along the east coast in southern North Carolina and run through the southern states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

From there, the population moved northward in a southwest direction, reaching northern Texas, eastern Colorado, central Utah, and Nevada, and reaching the Pacific Northwest coast of Washington. The American Goldfinch is only seen south of this limit in winter.

In which states do American Goldfinch live?

The American Goldfinch occurs in every state in the United States, depending on the season. However, they primarily inhabit the Northeast, Appalachian Mountains, Midwest, and Northwest—where these birds typically reside year-round.

These states include Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York. The population continued south along the East Coast through Rhode Island, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.

The goldfinch spreads westward from the coast into Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and into the Midwest (Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri). The species reaches the limits of its range in the northern parts of the southernmost states, including Alabama and Mississippi.

They also experience bottlenecks in Nebraska, Kansas, and eastern Colorado, venturing north only during the breeding season and south during the winter. However, American goldfinch populations are once again spreading across the Northwest, including Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

Female American Goldfinch perched on a plant, Mississauga, Canada

Where do American Goldfinch live in Canada?

The American Goldfinch occurs in meadows and meadows in central and southern Canada. Regions include southwestern Newfoundland, southern Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. They also travel south and west through the Rocky Mountains to the coastal areas of British Columbia and Vancouver.

During the winter, American goldfinch populations expand eastward into southern Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

What is the habitat of the American Goldfinch?

The American Goldfinch’s habitat remains roughly the same throughout its wide range. These small songbirds prefer to nest in meadows and floodplains covered with low shrubs and saplings. Habitats often also include compound plants – or flowers in the Compositae family.

Aster seeds are the most common food source for goldfinches.

In addition to overgrown meadows, the American Goldfinch is commonly found in agricultural areas, orchards, gardens, and backyards.

American Goldfinch prefers meadows and low bushes to nest in floodplains and saplings

How rare are American Goldfinch?

The American Goldfinch is an extremely common bird. They are often fed to backyard birds and are found throughout most of the United States year-round.

Where’s the best place to see the American Goldfinch?

The best place to see American Goldfinch is a meadow, meadow, or any open area where asters and thistles are common. They are also frequent visitors to bird feeders, especially where thistle seeds are offered.

American Goldfinch perched on a thistle early in the morning

When are the American Goldfinch coming out?

The American Goldfinch is primarily active during the day. They spend most of the day foraging in large groups on forest edges and meadows. Additionally, these songbirds are likely to stop by feeders, especially during the winter when wild seeds are more difficult to obtain.

Will the American Goldfinch stay in one place?

The American Goldfinch is thought to be irregular migratory. Populations at the northernmost end of its range typically migrate to southern Canada or throughout the southern United States and into Mexico.

However, the northern resident goldfinch does not migrate every year. These birds will remain in or near summer breeding grounds when winters are mild and food supplies are plentiful.

Southern migration usually occurs in mid-fall, and goldfinches remain in their wintering grounds until early spring.

A pair of American Goldfinches wintering in Louisiana

Where Do American Goldfinch Live In Winter?

In winter, the American Goldfinch’s range spans the southern United States and extends into northern and eastern Mexico. These birds are also found throughout the upper half of the United States year-round.

They mostly retreat from harsh winters in Canada and northern Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Nebraska and Montana.

Where do American Goldfinch live in summer?

The American Goldfinch leaves the hot southern regions of Mexico and the United States during the summer. They migrate north to breeding grounds in central and southern Canada and the northern half of the United States.

A small flock of goldfinches next to a feeder

Do American Goldfinches live in groups?

Outside of nesting season – at its peak in July – American Goldfinches do live in groups. They often gather in large flocks to feed and migrate.