American goldfinches typically nest in shrubby, open areas where they can find ample food sources.
The female goldfinch is responsible for building the nest, which is usually constructed in a shrub or sapling that is 3 to 10 feet above the ground
Preferred locations are often near water and in fairly open settings, avoiding dense forest interiors.
The nests are cup-shaped and made from rootlets, plant fibers, and lined with soft materials like milkweed and thistle down, making them nearly waterproof.
The nest is often built where two or three branches meet, providing structural support and shelter from above while remaining visible from below.
Goldfinches typically begin nesting in late June through August, timing their breeding to coincide with the availability of seeds, which are crucial for feeding their young.
A typical clutch consists of 2 to 7 eggs, which the female incubates for about 12 to 14 days. After hatching, the young remain in the nest for 11 to 17 days before fledging.