TRENTON, NJ – Last year, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy made headlines after he declared the state bird in New Jersey is the middle finger. Of course, that was just an April Fool’s joke, but now that spring is here, it’s time for birdwatchers from novice to professional to get serious.
One of the favorite birds to spot in the wild in New Jersey is the state bird. It’s somewhat elusive, but not hard to find if you know where to look and what to look for. They can be found anywhere in the state.
New Jersey’s state bird is the American Goldfinch, also known as the Eastern Goldfinch. This small, brightly colored bird can be found throughout the state during the breeding season, from late April to early August.
The American Goldfinch is a striking bird, with bright yellow feathers on its body and wings, and black and white markings on its tail and wings. Its beak is short and pointed, designed for eating seeds, and its flight is a distinctive undulating pattern that makes it easy to spot in the sky.
The American Goldfinch is a migratory bird, spending the winter months in the southern United States and Mexico. In the spring, the birds return to New Jersey and other northern states to breed. During the breeding season, the males display bright yellow plumage to attract females, while the females have a more subdued yellow-green color.
The American Goldfinch is known for its song, which is a series of cheerful, warbling notes. The birds are often heard singing in groups, especially during the breeding season. They are social birds, often seen in flocks and feeding together on thistle and other weed seeds.
In addition to being New Jersey’s state bird, the American Goldfinch is also the state bird of Iowa and Washington. It was chosen as New Jersey’s state bird in 1935, beating out other contenders like the Eastern Bluebird and the Meadowlark.
The American Goldfinch is a beloved bird in New Jersey, and its bright yellow plumage and cheerful song are a welcome sight and sound in gardens, parks, and other natural areas throughout the state. If you’re lucky enough to spot one of these beautiful birds, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and the important role it plays in New Jersey’s ecosystem.