Spinus tristis
Weedy fields and feeders across most of the continent. Bright yellow in summer, dull olive in winter. Tiny track.
What does a american goldfinch look like?
Summer male is the yellow bird with a black forehead. Winter birds are much duller.
What do american goldfinch tracks look like?
Not useful alone. A tiny print under a nyjer feeder, with the yellow bird, is the usual case.
- Tiny track
- Summer male is bright yellow with a black cap and black wings
- Winter birds are olive-brown with yellow on the face
- Undulating flight
- Whitewash under a thistle feeder
What does american goldfinch poop look like?
Tiny droppings under a feeder. Do not handle droppings. Several species carry parasites that stay in the soil around a latrine.
Where you find it
Weedy fields and feeders across most of the continent. Bright yellow in summer, dull olive in winter. Typical places: yard, field. Year-round in much of the range. Some move south for winter.
What to do next
- Watch from a distance
- Do not approach a nest
- If a bird is injured, call a local wildlife rehabilitator
This page is a field guide, not a permit to approach wildlife. If an animal is injured, aggressive, or inside a house, call a local wildlife officer.
Animals it is confused with
- House finch identification
- All animal identification pages
- Identify an animal from a photo, track, or description
Why do goldfinches look dull in winter?
They molt. Winter birds are olive and brown, with only a little yellow on the face.
How to tell a american goldfinch from similar animals
Use the track, the dropping, and the place together. One print is not enough.
- House finch. Too small to separate from other finches. Male is red on the face and chest with a streaked belly.
American goldfinch field marks
- Tiny track
- Summer male is bright yellow with a black cap and black wings
- Winter birds are olive-brown with yellow on the face
- Undulating flight
Where the sign shows up
Weedy fields and feeders across most of the continent. Bright yellow in summer, dull olive in winter. Typical places: yard, field. Year-round in much of the range. Some move south for winter.
Not useful alone. A tiny print under a nyjer feeder, with the yellow bird, is the usual case. Tiny droppings under a feeder.
Common questions
Why do goldfinches look dull in winter?
They molt. Winter birds are olive and brown, with only a little yellow on the face.