Document Type

Research

Abstract

The American Goldfinch, Spinus tristis tristis, begins breeding later than any other bird in the north temperate zone. The breeding season in Iowa extends approximately from early July to late September. Data from observations on 30 nestings (124 eggs) indicate that if the breeding season is divided in half, the percent of eggs hatching is seen to decrease from 87% to 57%, and the percent of young fledging from 95% to 62% in the latter half. There is considerable evidence that breeding is cued by the blooming of thistle (Circium spp.), a plant upon which goldfinches depend for nest-lining and food for the young. Apparently exploitation of this abundant resource provides an advantage sufficient to outweigh the problems of a relative decrease in nesting success due probably to increased predation pressure later in the breeding season.

Publication Date

1970

Journal Title

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

Volume

Issue

First Page

164

Last Page

168

Copyright

Language

File Format

application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Lynch, Carol B. (1970) "The Reproductive Strategy of the American Goldfinch, Spinus tristis tristis, in Iowa," Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science, 77(1), 164-168.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/pias/vol77/iss1/24

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The Reproductive Strategy of the American Goldfinch, Spinus tristis tristis, in Iowa

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