First American Goldfinch at feeder with leg band...

 

                                                                                            Photo by BarrytheBirder

After 30 years of seeing American Goldfinches at my backyard bird feeders, the Goldfinch pictured above is the first one I have ever seen with a leg band.   I supposed I'm used to more uncommon or exotic birds having leg bands.   But I also know that bird banding itself is becoming much more commonplace.   The total population of American Goldfinches is estimated at 42 million and faces no serious threat, but apparently someone, somewhere, has banded at least one.  This goldfinch begins breeding later in the year than almost any other North American bird and lays four to six eggs only once in late summer.   The species is one of the most vegetarian species in the bird world, and in Canada is very partial to Niger seeds at feeders, during the winter.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder