BIRD INDEX
American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis
Start with these clues
Look for a small conical bill and contrasting wings; winter birds are duller.
- Relative size
- Small
- Look around
- Shrubs, Lawn
- Region and season
- Widespread; check local seasonal abundance.
Compare carefully
House Finch often shows conspicuous streaking below.
A photograph shows one individual and one view. Check several features, the date and a regional guide before settling on an identification.
Read the Audubon species account for fuller range, behavior and identification context.
Compare plumage
The bright male has a yellow body, black forehead and dark wings.
Mdf · CC BY-SA 3.0
When yellow is muted, look for pale wing bars and the small, conical bill.
Cephas · CC BY-SA 4.0