THE GOLDFINCH 
By WILLIAM BUTCHER 
The National Association of Audubon Societies 
Educational Leaflet No. 17 
The Goldfinch, known also as the Yellowbird, Wild Canary, Lettuce 
Bird, and Thistle Bird, is one of the most striking species of our common 
birds. The English name Goldfinch is well chosen, as the bright yellow 
Nest and Eggs of the American Goldfinch 
Photographed from nature by C. William Beebe 
of the male, when in breeding-plumage, is like burnished gold. The 
| female Goldfinch is more modestly dressed than her mate. 
Goldfinches are wee birds, about four and one-half inches in length, 
but what they lack in size they make up in admirable qualities, one 
of the chief of which is their sociable method of life. Except during 
the short season -devoted to domestic duties they associate in flocks, and 
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