Western Bird Guide: Birds of the Rockies and West to the Pacific

by Charles K. Reed

WILLOW GOLDFINCH.

529b. Astragalinus t. salicamara. 5 inches.

A western form of the eastern bird, rarely reaching the five inches in length, and of a paler color, both the black and the yellow. It is common on the Pacific coast, from Washington to southern California, breeding in willows and low bushes. Nest is made of plant down, very compactly built, usually in a crotch. Four to five eggs, plain bluish white (.60 × .45).