BirdNote Daily Finches Singing Over the Sidewalk
Jan 12, 2026
City life has its own soundtrack, courtesy of the House Finch and the American Goldfinch. The House Finch enchants with a sweet song that takes a buzzy turn at the end. In contrast, the Goldfinch impresses with rapid-fire notes and a quirky call that humorously resembles someone saying 'potato chip!' Whether you're strolling along the sidewalk in spring or summer, these finches deliver delightful melodies that brighten urban landscapes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Buzzy Note Distinguishes House Finch
- House Finches sing sweetly but often end with a sharp, buzzy note that helps identification.
- Michael Stein contrasts this with American Goldfinches to highlight distinguishing song features.
Goldfinch Songs Are Rapid And Repetitive
- American Goldfinches improvise song order and sing rapidly, often repeating notes several times.
- This variability can make initial identification confusing without listening for repeats.
Listen For The 'Potato Chip' Call
- Listen for the goldfinch's signature call that sounds like someone saying "potato chip" when identifying the species.
- Use that call plus repeated notes to tell goldfinches from house finches in urban settings.