Today is Mailbag Monday, when readers' birding questions take the spotlight. This week, Beth from New Jersey asks..."My goldfinches have been missing from my feeder for about a week now. Could they have moved on to find a more comfortable place to roost through the cold months? Will they come back?"
American goldfinches are notoriously disloyal and even though you may have clean bird feeders filled with Nyjer, they won't always stay in the same area. In New Jersey - and most of the continental United States - they are year-round residents, however, and if your feeders are suitable and filled, they will return.
Many birders also believe their American goldfinches have left when in fact, the birds are there all along - but their non-breeding plumage can be harder to recognize. Winter American goldfinches don't have the bright yellow coloration or black cap, and instead have an overall olive-yellow color with black and white wings. Before concluding that your finches have abandoned your feeders, look for them in this winter disguise!
Source : birding.about.com
