THE AMERICAN GOLDFINCH. 57 
PLUMAGE, ETC: 
The plumose colorations of this species are so generally well known, 
as to hardly warrant the space for their detail. Many people, however, 
are exceedingly prone to confound the Goldfinch with the Summer 
Warbler or Summer Yellow-bird, (Dexdreca estiva.) To such, and 
to whom a Yellow-bird is a Yellow-bird, be he Goldfinch or Warbler, 
the detail may be of interest and serve to dispel the illusion. I may 
say in this connection, that I trust the critical ornithologist will take no 
exception to this endeavor to enlighten, and pardon the comparison of 
facts to him so well known. 
The difference between the two species is easily recognized if a 
little critical attention be bestowed upon them. The Summer Yellow- 
bird may always be known from the brownish spots upon its yellow 
breast. In both sexes, too, of the species, there is an evézve absence of 
any black color. In the male of the Goldfinch much of black obtains, 
while in both male and female there is an entire absence of markings 
on the breast ; (referring to mature and normal individuals. ) 
The predominant color of the male American Goldfinch, is, in 
summer, of a bright, clear lemon yellow, which blends or fades in many ~ 
instances, into a pure white on the tail-coverts. The head is ornamented 
with a well defined jet black cap. The wings and tail are also black, 
the former edged and crossed with white, and the feathers of the latter 
spotted at their interior ends also with white. The lesser wing coverts 
are yellow, and the bill and feet are of flesh color. From the change 
in plumage in September until the following April, the yellow coat of 
the male is substituted for one of flaxen brown, paler or whitish below, 
and the black head-dress is cast aside. 
