American Goldfinchs in North Dakota
When goldfinches are present in North Dakota, when they nest, which native North Dakota plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–4b yard.
- Status in North Dakota
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- August–September
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–4b
When to expect goldfinches in North Dakota
American Goldfinchs are summer residents in North Dakota, 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.
Continental northern prairie with prairie-pothole wetlands and the Missouri River breaks.
Nesting in North Dakota
Across North Dakota, 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.
Short, warm summers with a peak nesting season in June.
- American Goldfinchs don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, sugar maple for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after September.
Native North Dakota plants that attract goldfinches
Of the regional native plants we track for North Dakota, these 8 provide food or cover goldfinches use:
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.
Annual native sunflower — the original feeder seed.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Hosts hundreds of caterpillar species; spring flowers draw early insects.
Feeding goldfinches through the North Dakota 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 North Dakota'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 North Dakota year-round?
No. American Goldfinchs are summer breeders in North Dakota and leave for the winter.
When do goldfinches nest in North Dakota?
Nesting in North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Sugar maple are native plants in North Dakota that provide food or cover for goldfinches.
American Goldfinchs in other regions
Other backyard birds in North Dakota
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 — North Dakota
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- 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.