American Goldfinch

Day 256: I have to keep reminding myself that American Goldfinches are now Spinus tristis rather than Carduelis, having been placed in the same genus as Pine Siskins. A lot of field guides haven't caught up to the change and will show them with the older nomenclature. The species is the official Washington State Bird, and one of the brightest spots of avian colour in our relatively drab population. They lose their gold in winter and in fact can be difficult for novice birders to distinguish from Siskins during non-breeding months. Pay close attention to the beak (Siskins' beaks are more pointed), and Goldfinches will have white wing bars (Siskins' are yellowish) and no streaking on the breast and back. No matter what the books tell you, American Goldfinches will pass on nyger if black-oil sunflower seeds are available to them.