Habitat

Breeding Range

Weedy and grassy fields and flood plains characteristic of early successional growth preferred, but also cultivated lands, roadsides, vineyards/orchards, and gardens (see data in McCoy et al. 2001 from n. Missouri). Closely associated with composite plants (Compositae) as main food source. More scarce in herbicide-treated fields, owing to loss of nest cover and food plant seeds (Boutin et al. 1999). Low shrubs, deciduous saplings, or mature trees in isolation or on forest edge, provide most common nesting cover (Stokes 1950 , Nickell 1951 , Tyler 1968 , Holcomb 1969a , Middleton 1979 ), but variations recorded (Lewis 1952 ), including the introduced shrub-like forb—purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria; Kiviat 1996). Also will nest semi-colonially (up to 14 nests/ha; see Behavior) in short-rotation woody crops (e.g. willow plantations; Dhondt et al. 2007).

Spring And Fall Migration

Retains affinity for weedy, open areas, which provide food for large foraging flocks. Evergreen conifers important for roosting (Buttemer 1985).

Winter Range

More variable than in other seasons, depending on whether birds migrate or not (Wiseman 1975). In north, goldfinches remain in typical habitat until natural food supplies fail or become snow covered. Flocks either move to sites with human maintained feeders, or move nomadically to areas with less rigorous climate (Middleton 1977a , Dunn and Hussell 1991). In South, retain attachment to open, weedy areas, with suitable roosting sites. Winter habitats resemble summer habitats but plant communities have different species composition. In midwestern USA, more abundant during winter in natural grassland fields (managed under the Conservation Reserve Program) than in row-crop fields (Best et al. 1998). Thistle feeders especially successful at attracting large flocks (as many as 20 birds on a feeder at a time) to backyards on wintering grounds (Jan.-Feb.) in Alabama (KJM ).