Goldfinch's fall plumage change...

Adult 

Male

breeding

(Mar. - Oct.)

The male Goldfinch (at left)

is at the end of its summer plumage.   It is about begin

its winter plumage.   While many small birds change their plumage once a year, the Goldfinch does it twice a year: in the fall and in the spring.

 Adult 

 Male

non-breeding

(Oct. - Mar.)

The male Goldfinch (at left)

is seen in its winter plumage.

By March it will start to take on its

brilliant yellow spring/summer plumage, which will last until October, when it will once again opt for it duller fall/winter plumage

to take it through to the spring of the next year. 

Photos by BarrytheBirder

Please comment if you wish.

Barry Wallace