American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis
Flight call description A soft, pure-toned "pu-ti-ti-ti" with the first note lowest. Also a soft "see-weet", a drawn-out, rising "wuwuiii", and a low, rising "wheet".
Fig.1. Minnesota November 27, 2000 (WRE).
"Pu-ti-ti-ti" call from bird in flight.
Fig.2. Minnesota September 12, 1987 (WRE).
"See-weet" call from bird in flight.
Fig.3. Kansas November 22, 2000 (WRE).
"Wuwuiii" call from bird in flight.
Fig.4. Kansas November 22, 2000 (WRE).
"Wheet" call from bird in flight.
Examples
Diurnal calling sequences:
1. Minnesota September 12, 1987 (WRE). "See-weet" and "pu-ti-ti-ti" calls from bird in flight.
2. Minnesota November 27, 2000 (WRE). "Pu-ti-ti-ti" call from bird in flight with Blue Jay call in the background.
3. Kansas November 22, 2000 (WRE). "Wuwuiii" and "weet" calls from a bird in flight.
4. New Jersey August 5, 2001 (WRE). "Pu-ti-ti-ti" call from bird in flight.
5. Ontario November 28, 2000 (WRE). Flock taking off giving "weet", "wuwuiii" and "pu-ti-ti-ti" calls.
Nocturnal flight call sequence:
New Jersey November 4, 2001 (MO). Presumed American Goldfinch flock in predawn southbound migration more than one hour before sunrise.
Similar species All calls similar to calls of redpolls and Pine Siskin but with distinctively softer quality. "Wuwuiii" call particularly similar to redpolls and Pine Siskin but higher and more wavering.
Behavior Thought to be primarily a diurnal migrant but begins movement well before sunrise. Gives flight calls regularly while perched and in flight during the day. Not known to give flight call at night except within two hours of sunrise.