This is North America's smallest finch, with a short tail and a very pointed, dark, conical bill. Males show two color morphs; those in the eastern part of the range have black backs, while western birds are green-backed. Adult Male: The forehead and crown are jet black; wings are blackish with a broad whitish wing bar; tertials are edged with white; in flight, look for a large white patch at the base of the primaries that creates a white "window" in the otherwise dark wing; tail is black with white patches on the outer feathers that are noticeable in flight; underparts are bright yellow, paler on the undertail coverts. First-spring Male: Duller than adult, less bright yellow below and the crown is dusky greenish-charcoal (not black); wingbars are generally thinner and more buffy and they lack the crisp white edgings on the terials. Adult Female: Highly variable, with some birds being quite dull and grayish olive overall, while others much brighter yellow below, including undertail; green on the back, slightly yellower than green-back male; lacks the black cap; has conspicuous wingbars that depending on the season will either be whitish or worn and buffy; tertials show pales edgings like adult male; wings are darker gray to blackish (not as dark as males), with one or two pale wing bars and a small white patch at the base of the primaries. The tail is all dark. First-spring Female: Similar to adult female, but lacks conspicuous wingbars and broad pale edgings on terials. Immature: Similar to female, but generally duller and more grayish olive overall. Distinguished from American Goldfinch by yellowish undertail coverts and heavy dark bill.

Length: 9 (cm) Wingspan: 20 (cm)

Voice:

Song is a harsh jumble of notes; often includes phrases from the calls and songs of other species. Call is a high-pitched, protracted teee or teeer. In flight, often utters a grating series of "jih-jid" notes.

Habitat:

Uses a wide variety of habitats, including open woods, riparian corridors, chaparral, and residential areas.

Behavior:

Like other goldfinches, has undulating flight pattern.

Feeding:

Feeds primarily on seeds. Occasionally takes small leaves and insects. Very agile feeder, often hanging upside down to reach seed heads.