Overview

The American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) male is bright yellow, with a black forehead, wings and tail. The female is olive-green above, lighter below with white rump; Both sexes are yellowish-brown in winter.

Goldfinches breed late in the summer when thistle-down is available for their tightly woven nests. Feeding flocks can be located by their song, chirps interspersed with “swe-si-iees” or “per-chick-o-rees”, which they also utter in flight.

Length: 4 – 5 inches

Habitat: Farmlands, weedy fields with scattered trees, river groves, suburbs & parks