American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis · Finches, Euphonias, and Allies
The American Goldfinch is a small, vibrant finch found across North America, often recognized by the brilliant yellow plumage of breeding males. These active birds are highly social outside of nesting season, frequently forming flocks. Their undulating flight pattern, accompanied by distinctive calls, makes them a noticeable presence in open habitats.
Explore the full field guideMigratorySmall sizeMusical voiceSeed diet
1 call·first heard Jul 1·last 102d ago
When it's heardpeak 6a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Bright lemon-yellow body with a contrasting black cap and black wings with white wing bars and white patches on the tail.
- Duller yellow to olive-yellow body, with dark wings and tail, and two white wing bars. Lacks the black cap of the male.
- Both sexes are a drabber olive-brown or yellowish-brown, with blackish wings and two pale wing bars. Males lose their black cap.
- Resembles the non-breeding female, with blackish wings and tail, and an olive back.