- goldfinch
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/gohld"finch'/, n.1. a European finch, Carduelis carduelis, having a crimson face and wings marked with yellow.2. any of certain related American finches of the genus Carduelis, as C. tristis, the male of which has yellow body plumage in the summer.[bef. 1000; ME; OE goldfinc. See GOLD, FINCH]
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Any of several species (genus Carduelis, family Carduelidae) of songbirds that have a short, notched tail and much yellow in the plumage.All have a bill that is more delicate and sharply pointed than that of most finches. They live in flocks, feeding on weeds in fields and gardens. They have high, lisping calls. Various species live in western Eurasia and North and South America and have been introduced into New Zealand and Australia. They are typically 4–5.5 in. (10–14 cm) long. The male of the American goldfinch (or wild canary), found across North America, is bright yellow, with black cap, wings, and tail.* * *
▪ birdany of several species of the genus Carduelis (some formerly in Spinus) of the songbird family Carduelidae (sometimes placed in the Ploceidae); they have short, notched tails and much yellow in the plumage. All have rather delicate sharp-pointed bills for finches. Flocks of goldfinches feed on weeds in fields and gardens. They have high, lisping calls, often given in flight. The 14-centimetre (5 1/2-inch) European goldfinch (C. carduelis) of western Eurasia has been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, and Bermuda and the United States (where it has not become established). It is brownish and black, with a red–white–black head pattern and gold in the wings (sexes alike). The 13-cm (5-in.) American goldfinch (C. tristis), also called wild canary, is found across North America; the male is bright yellow, with black cap, wings, and tail. The 10-cm (4-in.) dark-backed goldfinch (C. psaltria) ranges from the western U.S. (where it is called lesser goldfinch) to Peru.* * *
Universalium. 2010.
