American Goldfinch in December
Where goldfinches are in December, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
December in the American Goldfinch's year
December is the start of the true winter season. Birds are settled into winter ranges and flocking behavior peaks — mixed flocks move through woods and yards together, and feeding stations become social hubs. Short days mean birds must find most of their food in a few hours of daylight.
For the American Goldfinch specifically, December is a winter month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 58 states and provinces where goldfinches occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where goldfinches are in December
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- year-round resident
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In December, goldfinches are absent in the South, year-round resident across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in December
Goldfinches are not nesting in December. The season runs July–September at mid-latitudes.
Outside the nesting season, goldfinches put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in December
- Birch and alder seeds
- Nyjer and hulled sunflower at feeders
Goldfinches travel in flocks and can empty a finch feeder quickly. Keep nyjer fresh — they abandon stale, moldy seed.
Feeders are busiest at dawn and dusk as birds fuel up against long cold nights. Suet and other high-fat foods earn their keep this month.
Full American Goldfinch diet guide → · Best feeder for goldfinches →
Watching goldfinches this month
Goldfinches are settled and predictable in December, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region goldfinches are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
American Goldfinch month by month
American Goldfinch by state
Frequently asked
Where are goldfinches in December?
In December, goldfinches are absent in the South, year-round resident across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do goldfinches nest in December?
No — goldfinches typically nest July through September at mid-latitudes.
What do goldfinches eat in December?
Birch and alder seeds; Nyjer and hulled sunflower at feeders.
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
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.