Wanted! Suspects are described as small-statured and bright yellow with black foreheads and short notched tails. They are known to snatch thistle and sunflower seeds, but they aren’t above pulling a zinnia smash-and-grab!
I usually grow double-flowering zinnias, but because I read that it’s easier for pollinators to get the nectar from single-flowering zinnias, I added a few varieties to my flowerbeds this summer.
The American Goldfinches that visit our backyard gave this new plan two enthusiastic thumbs up!
More than two-thirds of my zinnias have received a special “haircut”. The goldfinches pull out all the petals to get to the seeds.
Thankfully they leave the tops where the nectar is, so the bees and butterflies and other pollinators can still make use of the flowers.
Thankfully I was too stubborn to give up on my double-flowering zinnia varieties and the goldfinches have mercifully left those alone.
Otherwise I would have an entire backyard full of follicly-challenged zinnias!