However, because it's a cold day, snowing outside, which is very rare for our region and because it's time for wintering goldfinches to invade the backyard, they seemed like a good bird to evaluate for a post. To help out...I've found and inserted an image from Birding is Fun.com.
While you can't see this bird's tail, back or underpants, its short pointy gray bill and dark cap are giveaways.
Head: The head is a warm tan color that may show a yellow or gray wash, though the extent of the color varies widely.
Bill: The bill remains sharply pointed in winter but turns a dull dark gray or black.
Throat: Winter American goldfinches have varying amounts of yellow on their throat, though the color is usually dull and can be hard to see. A brighter finch may have more yellow extending onto the upper breast or to the cheeks.
Wings: In winter, the black wings contrast less with the dull body but still show one wide white wing bar, no matter which gender the bird may be.
Plumage: The overall coloration of winter American goldfinches is a dull tan with a warm brown or yellow wash. The underparts are slightly paler than the upperparts.
Legs and Feet: Even in winter, the legs and feet of these goldfinches remain pale.
The goldfinch’s main natural habitats are weedy fields and floodplains, where plants such as thistles and asters are common. They’re also found in cultivated areas, roadsides, orchards, and backyards. Goldfinches can be found at feeders any time of year, but most abundantly during winter, hence my posting. I've been seeing more of these little guys in recent weeks, as they really love the tall pine trees in our backyard.
Well, I hope this helps you...half as much as it has helped me. Happy Birding.