American Goldfinch

The picture of an American Goldfinch reminds me just how light many of our birds are. This little fella is able to perch on what looks like a sturdier-than-usual blade of grass. These birds typically weigh less than half an ounce, and only a little more than a Kennedy half dollar (the vaguely common US coin that's closest to them in weight). By way of contrast, Mourning Doves weigh 9 times more than goldfinches, and American Crows weigh around 35 times more. (This is one small bird.)

As birds that fly, there are obvious benefits to being light. The heavier you are the more calories it takes to get you off the ground. As one of our smallest commonly seen birds, our goldfinches probably derive some foraging benefits too. They can eat seeds out of thistles and coneflowers while perching on these flowers.

June 12, 2022 at Duke Farms
Photo 209947165, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)


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