Conservation and Management

Effects Of Human Activity

American Goldfinch has probably benefited from European settlement of North America. Clearing of forests, introduction of agriculture, and settlement of communities have increased nesting habitat and abundance of food, both in summer and winter, to which the Goldfinch is adapted (Middleton 1977a, Middleton 1979). Species inflicts little damage to crops, causing few problems that attract attention (Forbush in Tyler 1968). Because of granivorous diet, species has been little affected by pesticides.

Goldfinches have been affected by the introduction of predators, particularly cats, and by the move towards clean farming and eradication of weeds. Overall, however, this species appears much more abundant than formerly (Erskine et al. 1992; see Demography and Populations: status). Recent conservation programs that have used fire to restore native savannas in the midwestern USA have increased local abundance and fecundity of this species (Best et al. 1998, McCoy et al. 1999, Davis et al. 2000).

Susceptible to endocrine-disrupting herbicides and insecticides. Linuron, a broadleaf herbicide, delays molt and lowers hematocrit in captive birds (Sughrue et al. 2004). Also, dimethoate, a farmland organophosphate, reduces daily activity levels (Brunet and Cyr 1992).

Management

Little need for management as species appears in no real danger. Thoughtful landscaping could do much to enhance urban environment for goldfinch (Middleton 1979), as would less rigorous maintenance of “weed-free” environments. Even short-rotation monocultures (e.g. willow, poplar) provide suitable food and habitat (Dhondt et al. 2007). Conservation of river bottomlands, flood plains, and areas of early succession would help safeguard the long-term future of this bird.