Page created on : May 17, 2002
Last updated : June 13, 2005

The American goldfinch belongs to a family of small stubby-billed, short-tailed finches widespread across southern Canada. Males are bright yellow with black wings, tails and caps, and white rumps. Females' plumage is duller with olive upper-body feathers and no black caps. Both have a distinctive melodious call. American goldfinches can typically be spotted in weedy fields, large orchards, and where sunflowers grow.