American Goldfinchs in Newfoundland and Labrador
When goldfinches are present in Newfoundland and Labrador, when they nest, which native Newfoundland and Labrador plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–6b yard.
- Status in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- August–September
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–6b
When to expect goldfinches in Newfoundland and Labrador
American Goldfinchs are summer residents in Newfoundland and Labrador, arriving shortly before nesting begins in August and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on thistle, sunflower, coneflower and aster seeds; tree buds and maple sap in spring.
Cool maritime on the island of Newfoundland; subarctic in Labrador.
Nesting in Newfoundland and Labrador
Across Newfoundland and Labrador, goldfinches typically nest from August–September. Nest site: tight cup in shrubs or saplings, lined with thistle or cattail down; nests late, in July–September. Females lay 2–7 eggs, incubate for 12–14 days, and young leave the nest after 11–17 days.
Cool summers; nesting often starts in June.
- American Goldfinchs don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, red maple, willow (bebb) for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after September.
Native Newfoundland and Labrador plants that attract goldfinches
Of the regional native plants we track for Newfoundland and Labrador, these 5 provide food or cover goldfinches use:
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Among the first spring bloomers; early insects for returning migrants.
Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.
Catkin seed for redpolls on the tundra.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Feeding goldfinches through the Newfoundland and Labrador year
Goldfinches travel in flocks and can empty a finch feeder quickly. Keep nyjer fresh — they abandon stale, moldy seed.
- Best foods: Nyjer (thistle), Hulled sunflower chips, Black-oil sunflower.
- In Newfoundland and Labrador's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for goldfinches · Best feeder for goldfinches
Frequently asked
Are goldfinches in Newfoundland and Labrador year-round?
No. American Goldfinchs are summer breeders in Newfoundland and Labrador and leave for the winter.
When do goldfinches nest in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Nesting in Newfoundland and Labrador typically runs August–September, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 2–7 eggs, incubated for 12–14 days.
What native plants attract goldfinches in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Paper birch, Red maple, Willow (Bebb), Dwarf birch, Fireweed are native plants in Newfoundland and Labrador that provide food or cover for goldfinches.
American Goldfinchs in other regions
Other backyard birds in Newfoundland and Labrador
Sources
- American Goldfinch — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- American Goldfinch life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- American Goldfinch — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Newfoundland and Labrador
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.