American Goldfinches are a great bird to try and attract to your backyard bird feeder. They love seeds, especially nyjer and sunflower seeds, which makes it easy for them to be year-round in many places around the United States.

One thing that Peter Rabbit picks up on in The Burgess Bird Book for Children are Chicoree’s two suits, one for spring and summer and one for fall and winter. As Peter remarks to Chicoree,

‘I wouldn’t know you for the same bird I see so often in the late fall and sometimes in the winter. I don’t know of anybody who makes a more complete change. That black cap certainly is very smart and becoming.’

Chicoree cocked his head on one side, the better to show off that black cap. The rest of his head and his whole body were bright yellow. His wings were black with two white bars on each. His tail also was black, with some white on it.

Burgess, Thornton W. The Burgess Bird Book for Children, Living Books Press. p. 170.

American Goldfinch males molt two times a year and the change is drastic. If you see Goldfinches at your bird feeder during the fall or winter, pay close attention to try and see if there are any males among them. You can find some key differences by checking them here: Allaboutbirds.org

Here is what we gathered about Chicoree:

Until next time, keep birding <3 Kate

For more check out: The Burgess Bird Book for Children Coloring & Writing Pages and The Burgess Birds in Detail

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