Goldfinches are unusual in that they go through a complete color change molt two times a year instead of just the average fall molt. In the spring the males lose their muted olive color feathers to switch to bright yellow, black, and white breeding plumage. The American Goldfinch’s legs, feet and bill also change from a dark grayish brown to a buffy yellow orange color.
Friday, April 10, 2009
The Colors of Spring
Goldfinches are unusual in that they go through a complete color change molt two times a year instead of just the average fall molt. In the spring the males lose their muted olive color feathers to switch to bright yellow, black, and white breeding plumage. The American Goldfinch’s legs, feet and bill also change from a dark grayish brown to a buffy yellow orange color.
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Seeing the goldfinches start to change last month was just the pick-up I needed. They are the first punch of yellow, before forsythia or daffodils. :)
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