How to Attract American Goldfinches
- 1). Providing places for the finches to build nests helps establish them in your area. Favorite nesting places include thick shrubs and pine trees, according to Fairfax County Public Schools. Thinned shrubs might appear neater, but allowing them to become dense gives birds a safer place for raising babies.
- 2). Grow plants in your yard that they prefer, such as thistles and milkweed, to increase the appeal of your yard, suggests Cornell University. Plant other food that goldfinches enjoy, including sunflowers, dandelions, evening primrose and American elm. The American goldfinch prefers thistle, according to Brandeis University.
- 3
Feeders provide food during times with limited natural food sources.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Place feeders with thistle to attract the goldfinches. Use special thistle feeders with small openings to help decrease loss of feed. Set up general feeders with sunflowers and other seeds to provide variety. Keep the feeders full year round, as American goldfinches use feeders more often in winter months. - 4). Keep your feeders clean to help avoid spreading disease or making the food unappealing due to mold or clumping. Keeping the ground clean under the feeders helps prevent the spread of bird diseases, advised Cornell University.
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