Species profile
American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis
Quick answer
Summer males glow lemon-yellow with a black cap; a late nester that follows the thistles.
- Scientific name
- Spinus tristis
- Family
- Fringillidae
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Genus
- Spinus
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
Habitat
Weedy fields, gardens
Recording American Goldfinch in your journal
When you see this bird, log the sighting with the date, the place and any photos. If it's your first, Feather Journal marks it as a lifer and adds it to your life list automatically — no spreadsheet, no re-typing.
Want more detail? Read our full American Goldfinch field guide.