H.J. Ruiz – Avian101

American Goldfinch

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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. These little birds are a delight too see every year. They bring color, just like flowers in bloom. I enjoy them a lot when they arrive. When they are in breeding season their plumage increases to brighter yellow, making them look  like flying flowers. Quite an pretty sight! The American goldfinch prefers open country where weeds thrive, such as fields, meadows, flood plains, as well as roadsides, orchards, and gardens. It may also be found in open deciduous and riparian woodlands and areas of secondary growth. This habitat preference continues during the spring and autumn migrations.

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Song Sparrow

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The Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is a medium-sized New World sparrow. Among the native sparrows in North America, it is easily one of the most abundant, variable and adaptable species. These birds are all year round in my backyard. They are all over the place, looking for food, every object they see they investigate and see trying to find any food to eat. They prefer to eat on the ground and seldom go to feeders. The sparrow species derives its name from its colorful repertoire of songs. Enthusiasts report that one of the songs heard often in suburban locations closely resembles the opening four notes of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.

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Field Sparrow

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The Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) is a small New World sparrow in the family Passerellidae. The field sparrow is distributed across eastern Canada and the eastern United States, with northern populations migrating southwards to southern United States and Mexico in the fall. The typical habitat of this bird is bushy country with shrubs and grassland. The nest is a cup-shaped construction built on the ground and hidden beneath a bush or clump of grass. The birds forage on the ground or in low vegetation, feeding mainly on seeds and insects. They reside in my backyard great part of the year. Nice little birds to have around.

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© HJ Ruiz – Avian101