Building a Birdhouse for the American Goldfinch

Goldfinches are a delight to watch because of their acrobatic stunts. When feeding in the wild, they cling upside down to the heads of sunflowers then move on to a weed stalk and eat in a standing and upright position. As to artificial feeders, they like hanging on tubular ones especially those with perches.

The American Goldfinch is easy to attract in backyards. A member of the seed-eating family of finches, all you have to do is just provide seeds in your feeding stations and you will surely enjoy the sight of this small and musical bird on a regular basis. Birdhouses and feeders with hulled sunflower especially the black oil and thistle seeds can draw happy goldfinches in your homes although they normally feed in weedy fields and meadows. Goldfinches are also attracted to window trays and bird tables containing sorghum, millet, canary seed and cracked nutmeats.

Shelter is essential for the survival of birds and most especially during their nesting season. The best one, of course, is the natural type such as shrubs, vines, hedges and trees. They are inviting habitats for birds. Dead trees and limbs can also be good homes especially if you plant vines at the base.

Before deciding on building a birdhouse for your backyard, observe your lawn and garden and assess if there are areas for shelter and nesting. Ask yourself if you would be willing to provide regular food and water for them.