Spring Gold

Day 196: The American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) is one of the most recognizable birds in North American field guides, at least in this phase of its coloration. During the winter, the males lose their bright yellow hue and more closely resemble the duller females. Goldfinches in flight rise and fall like a Christmas swag draped over a succession of hooks, undulating in a very distinctive pattern.

As with many finches, the Goldfinch has a heavy bill designed for efficient seed-cracking. In the wild, their favorite food is thistle seed, and at the feeders, their preferences run to nyger and black-oil sunflower seed