Do finches migrate?

15 years ago

Do finches migrate? I had about 7 finches on my feeder today and it's the most I've had. I'm in zone 7, Northern VA and wonder if they will be staying or just moving through the area.

Featured Answer

lazypup

15 years ago

I am not certain about other Finches but as a rule the American Gold Finch tends to stay in the same region year around however they undergo a rather remarkable color change from summer to winter.

In their summer or "Breeding Plumage" the males are bright yellow with black wings and are commonly called wild canaries.

In winter the males have a smooth chocolate brown color with black wings and are often mistaken for sparrows.

I am attaching some photos that I took while living in N. E. Ohio (Youngstown, Oh) which has climatic conditions quite similar to N. Virginia.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

donald lucius
15 years ago
here my situation is probably different from yours. I live in the foothills and the mountains are only a short distance away to the north and the river valleys and canyons just south of here. The finches show up in early spring and nest close by and have several broods of young ones..They take off for the mountains during the hot summers up into fall. And they come back thru here in fall and move down into the lower elevations during winter and the snows to return again in the spring
lisa11310
15 years ago
I dont know why but some do and some dont. I have lots of Gold Finches here year round but I have a very large flock that gathers every winter. Seeing 30 or 40 at a time is usual for spring to fall but well over 100 in the winter.
Related Discussions
Do PVS migrate?
Q
Comments (5)
Add me to that list of having tons of PVSs this summer. Linda, it was also my third year for the A. clematitis. My A. tomentosas are just bursting with growth right now. But, as you might recall, I planted them in pots for their first year, unlike the A. macrophyllas that I planted directly in the ground. However, one of my macrophyllas already has put out a sucker - YIPPEE! A. macrophylla is probably more suited to your area, Maryann. It's a better PV for the north than the other ones. Oh, and I know they are trying to re-establish A. serpentaria up there, too. Seems most of the colonies of that species died out, so you would be helping to repopulate your area with this species by planting it in your garden. Susan
...See More
Thanks to all & When do they migrate?
Q
Comments (5)
JD- I would suggest leaving your feeders up until Thanksgiving. I am just north of you near Pottstown and had a Rufous hummingbird in my garden in 2009. They typically migrate late, October or November and are very rare. We get up to 12 a year in our area and I know they have been banded in West Chester and Lancaster (the bander could not catch mine). You are right in the middle of an area known for the unusual Rufous migration. If you are very lucky, you might see this very rare (for us) bird. If you spot a hummingbird in October or later, please contact a hummingbird bander. Scott is the one for our area. He has more information on the new migration pattern for Rufous hummingbirds here: http://www.scottweidensaul.com/hummingbirds/ Bellatrix Here is a link that might be useful: My Rufous Hummingbird
...See More
Finches, finches and more finches
Q
Comments (6)
I saw the bird feeder on sale hmm have you fill it up with safflower I do a mix of sunflower and safflower but I got way toooooo many sparrows
...See More
Why do the ducks migrate away from the North in the winter?
Q
Comments (3)
I guess the problem solves itself. As more duck come, the coyote starts to hang out more at the edge of the yard. As a result, the duck get nervous and don't stay for very long.
...See More
koszta_kid
15 years ago
We have finches year round. My cat Mattie Mae lays right by window. They don't mind her. Got nice picture of her doing it.
jacqui.kam
15 years ago
I am in South France and they certainly do. Green finches, occasional and very rare bullfinches and some gold finches appear on the feeders. Chaffinches seem to be about most of the year.
georgia_kate
15 years ago
i would say yes. last winter i had tons of them, but i have yet to see a single one in spring or summer. i never see them w/ the beautiful yellow! :(
callalilykris
15 years ago
I feed them nyjer seed and they are at my feeders year round, particularly in winter, here in Zone 5. I love them and can't wait to see their color change in spring.
litholad
15 years ago
Here in Texas, we have Goldfinches and House Finches year around. Purple Finches in the winter.
deanie1
15 years ago
I don't think our goldfinches here in Southeastern TN migrate. But they sure do change colors. We leave our finch feeder up year round.

How would I know what zone I am in -- is it the same as gardening zones?

Georgia_Kate -- what part of Georgia? You're probably not all that different from me.

Related Stories

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Backyard Birds: Meet Some Clever and Curious Jays

By Habitat Network

Boisterous jays provide plenty of backyard bird-watching in winter. Here’s how to identify all the varieties and welcome them into your yard

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Invite Entertaining Hummingbirds Into Your Garden

By Habitat Network

Hummingbirds — unique to the Americas — zip through open landscapes seasonally or year-round. Here’s how to attract them

Full Story

182

GARDENING GUIDES 13 North American Backyard Birds to Know

By Annie Thornton

Find out about these enchanting native species and learn how to attract them to your yard

Full Story

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES A Quick-Start Guide to Bird-Watching for Fun and Learning

By Alison Hodgson

Set out some seed and grab your field guide. Bird-watching is an easy, entertaining and educational activity for the whole family

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Plants That Beat Butterfly Bush for the Wildlife Draw

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

It's invasive, a nonnative and a poor insect magnet. Check out these better alternatives to butterfly bush in the garden

Full Story

227

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Northern Cardinals in the Snow, and Other Red Birds

By Habitat Network

Brilliant crimson feathers make these friends stand out in a crowd

Full Story

FALL GARDENING 7 Reasons Not to Clean Up Your Fall Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you pluck and rake, consider wildlife, the health of your plants and your own right to relax

Full Story

230

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Be a Citizen Scientist to Help Wildlife, Learn and Have Fun Too

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Track butterflies, study birds, capture stars ... when you aid monitoring efforts, you’re lending Mother Nature a hand

Full Story

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Wild Birds Transform a Woman’s Garden and Life

By Mary Jo Bowling

How Sharon Sorenson created a wildlife haven and became the Bird Lady of Southern Indiana

Full Story

147

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Steps to Creating Your Butterfly Garden

By Debbie Ballentine

Encourage these fanciful winged beauties to visit your garden while helping restore their fragmented habitat

Full Story

Do finches migrate?

lazypup

Comments (9)

donald lucius

lisa11310

Related Discussions

koszta_kid

jacqui.kam

georgia_kate

callalilykris

litholad

deanie1

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US