A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion Hobbies, Crafts and Creativity The Bird Lovers Forum Yellow birds turn grey/

Is it true the Yellow thistle birds turn grey in the winter?

For what useful purpose.........?
Thanks to whoever answers.

Yes, Dodge, it's true...... only the American Goldfinch does not turn grey, it turns more of a yellowsh brown in color in Winter, although their wing markings stay the same.

American Goldfinch, Winter Plummage


See. The wings appear the same as in Summer although the rest of the feathers have turned brown with yellowish tinges.

Ha
I didnt know if it was true......
thanks

That photo isnt all that bad..........My neighbor said all her gold finches went south......I still see them running wild in my orchard......
They love my flowers and sun flowers......i have one small one which the visit all the time.........I let it stay each year for that purpose .. It is a sunflower with many heads, whatever that is.

I liked the winter look also.

thanks ........I appreciate that ..

Dodge - your American Goldfinches will stay there all year round - they are just harder to spot, because as Thorny said, they lose their bright yellow plummage and turn more of an olive green/brown.

Once you learn their whistle, you will know that they are still around, and they will eat your thistle all winter too.

plants n pots

Thanks......Guess your close enough to see mine
thought the neighbor was goofy when she said that.. But I just let her gab.
I learn on here.. ha ha

Thanks
have fun.

yep, barb. I have thistle out year round, and have goldfinches year round as well.--although in late fall they seem to lay off of my feeder a bit.

I feed cows all year round....(Jack does)..........And bird steal the cow food.

Eat the cows corn....That is enough food off us ........

Yep, Goldfinches don't migrate, they camouflage.

That's funny...........camouflage......
Why do you suppose that is ?????/
Wish I could change my feather.........