GOLDFINCH

goldfinch, Carduelis carduelis

(noun) small European finch having a crimson face and yellow-and-black wings

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

goldfinch (plural goldfinches)

Any of several small passerine birds of the finch family

The European goldfinch, Carduelis carduelis

The American goldfinch, Carduelis tristis, now Spinus tristis

Lawrence's goldfinch, Carduelis lawrencei, now Spinus lawrencei

The lesser goldfinch, Carduelis psaltria, now Spinus psaltria.

Source: Wiktionary

Gold"finch`, n. Etym: [AS. goldfinc. See Gold, and Finch.] (Zoöl.) (a) A beautiful bright-colored European finch (Carduelis elegans). The name refers to the large patch of yellow on the wings. The front of the head and throat are bright red; the nape, with part of the wings and tail, black; -- called also goldspink, goldie, fool's coat, drawbird, draw-water, thistle finch, and sweet William. (b) The yellow-hammer. (c) A small American finch (Spinus tristis); the thistle bird.

Note: The name is also applied to other yellow finches, esp. to several additional American species of Spinus.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition