American Goldfinchs in Wyoming
When goldfinches are present in Wyoming, when they nest, which native Wyoming plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–5b yard.
- Status in Wyoming
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- August–September
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–5b
When to expect goldfinches in Wyoming
American Goldfinchs are summer residents in Wyoming, 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.
Semi-arid high plains and basins with major mountain ranges; most towns lie above 5,000 ft.
Nesting in Wyoming
Across Wyoming, 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 cool nights.
- American Goldfinchs don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as rabbitbrush for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after September.
Native Wyoming plants that attract goldfinches
Of the regional native plants we track for Wyoming, 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.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Feeding goldfinches through the Wyoming 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 Wyoming'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 Wyoming year-round?
No. American Goldfinchs are summer breeders in Wyoming and leave for the winter.
When do goldfinches nest in Wyoming?
Nesting in Wyoming 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 Wyoming?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Rabbitbrush are native plants in Wyoming that provide food or cover for goldfinches.
American Goldfinchs in other regions
Other backyard birds in Wyoming
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 — Wyoming
- 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.