In winter, goldfinches gather in large flocks, as they fly to warm areas, including the Gulf of Mexico and southern Mexico . The song is high-pitched and long. Males are bright yellow with a black forehead, a white rump, and the wings and tail are black with white edges. Male coloration in the winter is duller. The bill is stubby.
Nests are open cups made from grass, bark strips, and other plant material.
The incubation period is 10 to 12 days.