Why Are Goldfinches Nesting So Late?

If you've spotted bright yellow American Goldfinches flitting through your yard lately, you might assume they've already finished raising their families.

Surprisingly, many of them are just getting started.

While robins, chickadees, and cardinals have been busy raising young since spring, American Goldfinches wait until late summer to build their nests. It's one of the latest nesting schedules of any of our common backyard birds—and it's for good reason. 

Goldfinches have evolved to nest when nature provides exactly what they need.

By late July and early August, native plants like thistles, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and sunflowers are producing an abundance of seeds. At the same time, thistledown and other soft plant fibres become available, giving female goldfinches the perfect material to line their nests.

Instead of rushing to nest in spring, they simply wait until the buffet is ready.

American Goldfinch. Photo by Heather Kerrison. 

A Busy Time at Your Feeders

Even with plenty of natural food available, goldfinches continue to visit backyard feeders.

Nyjer seed remains a favourite, while sunflower chips and finely shelled sunflower seeds are excellent energy sources for adults feeding hungry nestlings.

If you've noticed more goldfinches visiting recently, you're probably seeing busy parents making frequent trips between feeders and their nests.

A goldfinch nest. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

Don't Tidy Up Too Soon

Late summer gardens provide much more than colour.

Leaving seed heads on coneflowers, sunflowers, and other native plants creates a natural food source that goldfinches—and many other birds—will continue to enjoy into the fall.

A slightly "messier" garden often becomes a much busier one.

Goldfinch in the garden. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

A Backyard Favourite

American Goldfinches are one of the few birds we enjoy throughout every season in Southern Ontario. Whether they're glowing bright yellow in summer or wearing their softer olive winter plumage, they're always a welcome sight.

As you spend time outside this August, keep an eye on your feeders and your flowers. 

Goldfinches are busy! 

Warmly, 

Heather