Iowa State Bird: American Goldfinch
Fact-checked • Updated November 25, 2025
Iowa State Bird – American Goldfinch
Iowa designated the American Goldfinch as its official state bird on March 22, 1933. The Iowa General Assembly acted during the Great Depression. Iowa shares this species with New Jersey and Washington. Adults show yellow plumage in summer months. Nesting begins late in the season when native thistles produce ample seeds.
Why Iowa Chose the American Goldfinch as State Bird
Iowa made the American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) its official state bird on March 22, 1933. Governor Clyde Herring signed the legislation. The Iowa General Assembly passed the measure with strong support.
Iowa shares the American Goldfinch with New Jersey and Washington. New Jersey adopted the species in 1935, followed by Washington in 1951.
Male goldfinches turn bright lemon-yellow during Iowa summers and molt to olive-brown in winter. This seasonal transformation made the bird especially memorable to Iowa residents.
Goldfinches rely heavily on thistle and other weed seeds. Iowa’s prairies and roadsides historically produced abundant seed plants. Farmers appreciated a bird that helped reduce weed spread.
The goldfinch’s cheerful appearance and flight calls made it a popular choice during the hardships of the Great Depression.
History of Adoption: How Goldfinch Became Iowa's Symbol
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Pre-1933 — Growing Interest
Iowa lacked an official state bird through the 1920s. Other Midwest states began adopting wildlife symbols. Iowa civic groups encouraged choosing a familiar species.
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Early 1930s — Advocacy Efforts
The Iowa Ornithologists’ Union and multiple garden clubs promoted the American Goldfinch. These groups highlighted the bird’s value in consuming weed seeds.
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Winter 1932–1933 — Legislative Action
Iowa legislators introduced a bill in early 1933. The proposal cited the goldfinch’s year-round presence and strong cultural recognition.
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March 22, 1933 — Official Adoption
The Iowa General Assembly approved the designation, and Governor Clyde Herring signed it the same day.
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1935 — New Jersey Adopts Goldfinch
New Jersey selected the American Goldfinch two years after Iowa.
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1951 — Washington Follows
Washington became the third state to adopt the species.
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Current Status
Iowa Code still recognizes the American Goldfinch today. The species appears widely in Iowa educational and tourism materials.
What the American Goldfinch Means to Iowa
Agricultural Connection
Goldfinches feed on seeds from thistles, dandelions, and ragweed. This reflects the interaction between Iowa farming and native wildlife.
Prairie Heritage
American Goldfinches thrive in Iowa grasslands and reflect the state’s tallgrass prairie history.
Seasonal Color Change
The bird’s transformation from bright yellow to muted olive mirrors Iowa’s seasonal extremes.
Optimism During Hard Times
Iowa selected the species during the Great Depression. The goldfinch’s lively calls and flight patterns symbolized resilience.
Physical Characteristics of Iowa's American Goldfinch
Summer Male Plumage
Brilliant yellow body, black cap, black wings with white bars, and an orange bill.
Winter Male Appearance
Olive-brown overall with faint yellow tones and a dark bill.
Female Coloring
Yellow-green year-round with darker wings and white wing bars.
Juveniles
Brownish overall with buff wing bars and minimal yellow.
Flight and Size
Deeply undulating flight. Small size with a conical bill adapted for seeds.
Behavior & Habits of the American Goldfinch
Flight Call
The distinctive 'per-chick-o-ree' call identifies the species in flight.
Seed Diet
Goldfinches eat seeds nearly year-round, especially thistle, sunflower, ragweed, and aster seeds.
Late Nesting
Goldfinches nest in July or August, later than other common Iowa songbirds. They time nesting with seed availability.
Flocking
Large flocks form in fall and winter across Iowa fields and roadsides.
Courtship
Males perform circular flight displays. Bright plumage helps attract mates.
Nesting
Females build tightly woven nests in shrubs. Clutches contain 4–6 pale blue eggs.
Habitat & Conservation in Iowa
Where to Find Goldfinches
Prairies, fields, roadsides, parks, and suburban areas statewide.
Habitat Needs
Open areas with abundant seed plants and scattered shrubs for nesting.
Year-Round Residency
Most goldfinches remain in Iowa through winter.
Conservation Status
The species is Least Concern and stable in Iowa.
Threats
Loss of weedy fields, herbicide use, window strikes, and predation by outdoor cats.
How to Help
- Plant native seed-producing flowers
- Provide nyjer (thistle) seed feeders
- Leave flower heads through winter
- Reduce herbicide use
- Keep cats indoors
- Support prairie restoration efforts
Interesting Facts About Iowa's American Goldfinch
Fact 1 of 10
Iowa shares the goldfinch with New Jersey and Washington
American Goldfinch Songs & Calls
Hear the clear whistles and sharp calls of the American Goldfinch. These field recordings capture their distinctive voice in natural habitat.
Audio licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Also the State Bird of:
Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. All information has been fact-checked and verified against official government records and scientific databases.
Official Iowa publication listing state symbols, including the American Goldfinch. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Species guide with identification, behavior, and ecology. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
State birding organization with Iowa-specific bird data. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Bird guide with range maps, photos, and conservation status. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
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