<P> The American goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is a small North American bird in the finch family . It is migratory, ranging from mid-Alberta to North Carolina during the breeding season, and from just south of the Canada--United States border to Mexico during the winter . </P> <P> The only finch in its subfamily to undergo a complete molt, the American goldfinch displays sexual dimorphism in its coloration; the male is a vibrant yellow in the summer and an olive color during the winter, while the female is a dull yellow - brown shade which brightens only slightly during the summer . The male displays brightly colored plumage during the breeding season to attract a mate . </P> <P> The American goldfinch is a granivore and adapted for the consumption of seedheads, with a conical beak to remove the seeds and agile feet to grip the stems of seedheads while feeding . It is a social bird, and will gather in large flocks while feeding and migrating . It may behave territorially during nest construction, but this aggression is short - lived . Its breeding season is tied to the peak of food supply, beginning in late July, which is relatively late in the year for a finch . This species is generally monogamous, and produces one brood each year . </P> <P> Human activity has generally benefited the American goldfinch . It is often found in residential areas, attracted to bird feeders which increase its survival rate in these areas . Deforestation also creates open meadow areas which are its preferred habitat . </P>

Where do finches migrate to in the winter