These movements periodically become major irruptions into the southern sections of the United States. In the spring and summer, the male American Goldfinch is unmistakable with its black cap and bright yellow breeding plumage. During the winter, the male's plumage is dull in color. American Goldfinches are the most frequently reported finch found by Project FeederWatch participants, appearing at 69 percent of all feeders in 1997. In autumn, northern races of the American Goldfinch head south, where they aggregate in large flocks and feed on a variety of plant seeds.
Females are less brilliant, with their olive-yellow coloring and lack of a black cap.
Males loose their black caps during the winter, although some black coloring may appear on their foreheads. The face and throat of the male retain some yellow, but the crown, nape, back, and scapulars turn buffy brown. Wings are primarily black, but the lesser coverts and tips of the greater coverts are dirty white, creating two distinct wing bars. The tail is black with white edges. The bill and legs are yellow.