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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. XXV
Field-journal plate: American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate XXV

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

Fringillidae · Taxon 145310

Length4.3–5.1 in (11–13 cm)
Wingspan7.5–8.7 in (19–22 cm)
Weight0.4–0.7 oz (11–20 g)

Field marks

  1. Small finch with a short, conical bill and compact head.
  2. Breeding male is bright yellow with a sharply black forehead.
  3. Black wings show bold white wingbars and pale markings.
  4. Short, notched black tail has conspicuous white patches in flight.
  5. Females are duller yellow below and olive above; winter birds are unstreaked brown-gray with pale wingbars.

HabitatWeedy fields, open floodplains, forest edges, cultivated ground, orchards, and other semi-open places with thistles, asters, shrubs, or small trees.

BehaviorActive, acrobatic seed-forager that clings to thistles and other seedheads; flies in a bouncy, undulating pattern and often calls in flight.

Palette

bright yellowglossy blackcrisp whiteolive greenbuff brown