This little bird bears a strong resemblance to his European prototype, not quite so richly dressed, and somewhat inferior in song; nevertheless, he is a sprightly and lively bird; he is docile and familiar, and a sweet little songster, and if kept some time beside Canary birds will pick up their notes. His own natural notes bear a resemblance to the European Goldfinch, but they are inferior in tone, feebler, and more concise; in his habits he is the same, and is fond of the same food. They are fond of the seeds of the thistle. In districts where the thistle abounds in Europe, so does the Goldfinch, and where that plant is found in the United States, there you will find the American Goldfinch. If his transatlantic brother has a richer dress, he has the advantage of him, by having two - a summer dress and a winter one. On the approach of winter, the male puts off his beautiful lemon yellow color, and black wings and tail, and dons the sober olive-brown of the female, and in spring resumes it again. They are easily reconciled to confinement, and will sing a short time after being caught.

Food

They are very fond of hemp seed. I feed them one part hemp and part Canary seed; a blade of lettuce or a bit of ripe apple is beneficial.

Characteristics Of The Sexes

The male in summer, is easily distinguished from the female; the body of the male is bright yellow, wings and tail black; the female is all over olive brown.

Location

Found throughout the United States in summer; late in the autumn, they migrate south.