goldfinch

goldfinch
    n 1: American finch whose male has yellow body plumage in summer
         [syn: {New World goldfinch}, {goldfinch}, {yellowbird},
         {Spinus tristis}]
    2: small European finch having a crimson face and yellow-and-
       black wings [syn: {goldfinch}, {Carduelis carduelis}]
    

Goldfinch \Gold"finch`\, n. [AS. goldfinc. See {Gold}, and
   {Finch}.] (Zool.)
   (a) A beautiful bright-colored European finch ({Carduelis
       elegans}). The name refers to the large patch of yellow
       on the wings. The front of the head and throat are bright
       red; the nape, with part of the wings and tail, black; --
       called also {goldspink}, {goldie}, {fool's coat},
       {drawbird}, {draw-water}, {thistle finch}, and {sweet
       William}.
   (b) The yellow-hammer.
   (c) A small American finch ({Spinus tristis}); the thistle
       bird.
       [1913 Webster]

   Note: The name is also applied to other yellow finches, esp.
         to several additional American species of {Spinus}.
         [1913 Webster]