Goldfinch

Goldfinch , noun

[Anglo-Saxon goldfinc. See Gold, and Finch.]

(a)

(Zoology) 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)

(Zoology) The yellow-hammer.

(c)

(Zoology) A small American finch (Spinus tristis); the thistle bird.

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