Common in flocks in weedy fields, bushy thickets and in seed-bearing trees.
Food includes thistles, sunflowers and dandelions.
Female and young are recognized by the unstreaked back and breast, stubby finch bill, wingbars, notched tail, whitish rump, and undulating roller-coaster flight. Male in winter and immature resemble female. Song is long, high and sweet. Goldfinches are about 5 inches long. They are smaller than a sparrow.