Length about six inches.
Beak crossed at the tips, but looking like a Parrot's if you do not notice how the points cross.
Male: general color Indian red, with dark wings and tail.
Female: general color dull olive-green, with wings and tail like the male's.
A Citizen of the North, making winter excursions all through the United States.
THE AMERICAN GOLDFINCH
(THE JOLLY BIRD, or THISTLE BIRD)
"This must be my other bird," said Nat, "the yellow one from the wild grass meadow, who had what looked like a little black velvet cap tipped down over his eyes. They are such jolly little chaps that it made me laugh when I watched them swinging on the ends of the tall grass. Once in a while one would play he was angry and try to look cross; but he couldn't keep it up long, because he really felt so good natured."
"I believe every one knows Goldfinches," said Olive. "I remember them longer than any birds, but the Robin and Bluebird."