The American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) molts twice during the year. In the autumn they exchange all their feathers, one by one, for new feathers. A slow process, so that they can continue their lives as they normally do. Eating seeds, flying about, and staying comfy warm.
During this autumn molt the female goes through the same feather exchange, but her appearance changes very little. The male though, makes a dramatic change from a brilliant yellow with a striking black cap to the colors of the female, soft grayish tan.
Now, they enjoy their winter garb. Females and males, looking quite similar. Easily blending in with their surroundings.
Picking up suggestions from changes of the amount of light during the day, Goldfinch begin their second molt near the end of January or beginning of February.
Again, one by one, the new feathers emerge. This time it is only the body feathers. The tail and wing feathers that came in, in autumn remain.
But for now, for the winter, in my gardens, there are many little grayish tan birds enjoying the seed heads I left for them. Seeds waiting to be gobbled up.
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