General Description: American Goldfinches (Carduelis tristis) are small, sexually dimorphic finches. Adult males are bright yellow overall with a black forehead, black wings with white wingbars, and white rump and under-tail feathers. Females are dull yellow or brownish overall with wings similar to those of males. During winter, males resemble females.

Taxonomy: Passeriformes, Fringillidae, Carduelinae.

Favored Habitat: Brushy places with thistle, which is their favored food.

Where to Find: American Goldfinches are winter residents around Las Vegas.

Taxonomy: Formerly Carduelis tristis.

Comments: Note that the breeding male's back is bright yellow, and the black on his head is restricted to the forehead. In Lesser Goldfinches, the male's back is yellow-green, and the entire cap is black.