Washington State Bird: American Goldfinch
Fact-checked • Updated January 15, 2025
Washington State Bird – American Goldfinch
Washington adopted the Willow Goldfinch as its official state bird in 1951. This subspecies of the American Goldfinch won after school children voted twice. The Western Meadowlark won the first vote in 1928. Seven other states had claimed that species. The Washington Federation of Women's Clubs held another vote in 1931. Goldfinches beat tanagers, juncos, and woodpeckers. The legislature waited two decades. Final approval came on March 19, 1951.
Why Washington Chose This Bird
School children drove the selection process in 1928. Legislators asked students to pick a bird. Western Meadowlarks won by a wide margin. Seven states had chosen that species, which created a problem. Oregon had just named the meadowlark its state bird. Lawmakers delayed action.
The Washington Federation of Women's Clubs sponsored a new referendum in 1931. Goldfinches beat several competitors including song sparrows, pileated woodpeckers, and western tanagers. Both birds now held unofficial status. Legislators asked children to make the final choice in 1951. Students picked the goldfinch. The legislature approved the decision.
Legislative History
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First Student Vote
Students overwhelmingly chose the Western Meadowlark in 1928. Legislators hesitated because multiple states shared this bird. Oregon selected the meadowlark in 1927. Six other states already claimed the species. The legislature never formalized the 1928 student choice.
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Final Approval
The legislature designated the Willow Goldfinch as Washington's official bird on March 19, 1951. This action concluded a 23-year selection process involving two student votes and one women's club referendum. Washington joined Iowa and New Jersey in selecting American Goldfinch subspecies as state symbols.
What This Bird Represents
Subspecies Identity
The Willow Goldfinch represents the Pacific Coast subspecies of the American Goldfinch. This population has a smaller black cap than eastern varieties. Washington remains the only state claiming this specific subspecies. The name references willow-dominated riparian habitats common throughout the state.
Student Participation
Children participated in three votes spanning 23 years. Student involvement in government decisions created educational opportunities. Young voters learned about legislative processes and civic engagement. The extended timeline reflected democratic deliberation about state identity.
Physical Characteristics
Size and Build
Adults measure 4.3 to 5.5 inches long. Wingspan ranges from 7.5 to 8.7 inches. Weight falls between 0.4 and 0.7 ounces. Conical beaks crack seed shells efficiently. Short, notched tails aid identification. Bodies appear compact for finch species.
Seasonal Plumage
Breeding males turn bright yellow with black foreheads, wings, and tails. White patches appear above and below the tail. Females remain dull yellow-brown with olive tones and dark brown wings. Winter males lose bright colors and resemble females. Bills change from pink to bright orange during spring molt. Both sexes molt twice annually.
Behavior and Song
Flight and Movement
Flight follows a bouncy, undulating pattern. Birds alternate flapping with brief glides. This creates a distinctive dancing appearance. The 'po-ta-to-chip' call accompanies each undulation. Flocks travel together during non-breeding months. Acrobatic movements allow feeding on swaying plant stems.
Vocal Communication
Six different call types serve various purposes. Contact calls sound like 'tsee-tsi-tsi-tsit' and maintain flock cohesion. Songs consist of rambling warbles and twitters lasting several seconds. Males perform courtship calls during breeding displays. Alarm calls warn of predators. Young birds make begging sounds when hungry.
Habitat and Range
Washington Distribution
Open fields with weedy growth attract goldfinches statewide. Roadsides and suburban gardens provide suitable habitat. Forest edges and floodplains support breeding populations. Semi-open areas with scattered trees and shrubs work best. Deforestation creates preferred meadow environments. Bird feeders supplement natural food sources.
Migration Patterns
Most Washington goldfinches migrate south for winter. Movement patterns follow regions where January temperatures stay above zero degrees Fahrenheit. Some individuals remain year-round if food supplies persist. Breeding range extends from southern Canada to North Carolina. Winter range reaches from California to Mexico. Peak migration occurs during mid-fall and early spring.
Diet and Feeding
Seed Preferences
Seeds comprise over 90 percent of the diet. Thistle and dandelion seeds rank among favorites. Sunflowers, ragweed, asters, and evening primrose provide nutrition. Goldfinches climb plants acrobatically to reach seed heads. Ground feeding occurs less frequently. Conical beaks extract seeds from tough casings.
Supplemental Foods
Buds and bark from young twigs offer variety. Maple sap consumption happens occasionally. Insects make up a small dietary portion, eaten inadvertently while foraging. Young birds receive regurgitated seed pulp mixed with minimal insects. Strict vegetarian habits separate goldfinches from most songbirds. Winter feeding relies heavily on backyard feeders stocked with nyjer and sunflower seeds.
Reproduction
Late Nesting Season
Breeding begins in late June or July, later than most North American birds. This timing coincides with peak thistle and milkweed seed production. Females build cup-shaped nests a few feet off the ground. Deciduous shrubs or trees provide nest sites. Materials include twigs, bark, weeds, and grass lined with plant down.
Egg Development
Clutches contain two to seven bluish-white eggs. Females incubate eggs for 12 to 14 days while males bring food. Chicks hatch naked with closed eyes and reddish bodies. Eyes open after three days. Juvenile plumage develops within 11 to 15 days. Young fledge and begin practice flights near the nest. Males feed fledglings for up to three weeks after leaving the nest.
Conservation Status
Population Health
The species maintains Least Concern status. Global breeding population reaches approximately 42 million birds. Numbers show stable or increasing trends. Human activity generally benefits goldfinches through feeder supplementation and habitat creation. Deforestation creates preferred open meadow environments.
Adaptation Success
Residential areas attract goldfinches regularly. Bird feeders increase survival rates in suburban settings. The species tolerates human-modified landscapes better than many songbirds. Weed-loving habits align well with disturbed environments. Willow Goldfinch populations appear healthy throughout their Pacific Coast range.
Interesting Facts
Fact 1 of 6
The American Goldfinch is the only finch species in its subfamily that undergoes two complete molts each year, changing appearance dramatically between seasons
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 state government information on the Willow Goldfinch designation and selection history • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Comprehensive species guide with identification, behavior, habitat, and breeding information • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Detailed field guide information on physical characteristics, range, and conservation status • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Washington-specific information about the American Goldfinch and its role in state ecology • Accessed: November 30, 2025
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