Acadia National Park

Description  ADULT MALE Brown overall and heavily streaked above, its whitish underparts also heavily streaked; some birds have yellow-washed underparts. Wings have two wing bars, upper one narrow and white, lower one broad and tinged yellow; edges of flight feathers are variably yellow (obvious in flight and when perched). ADULT FEMALE Similar to plain-colored male; yellow elements of wing feathering are much less intense than the brighter males. JUVENILE Similar to adult female, but plumage is washed buff-yellow overall.

Dimensions  Length: 4 1/2-5" (11-13 cm)

Habitat  Common in coniferous and deciduous forests; found year-round in parts of range, but northern breeders move south for winter and wander, often visiting parks and gardens.

Observation Tips  Attract it to your garden using seed feeders.

Range  Texas, Plains, Mid-Atlantic, Rocky Mountains, California, New England, Western Canada, Alaska, Southwest, Great Lakes, Southeast, Florida, Northwest, Eastern Canada

Voice  Song is a mix of chattering trills and wheezy whistles; call is a buzzing zhreee.

Discussion  Small finch with a slender, dainty bill. Feeds primarily on seeds; those of birch, alder, and spruce are favored. Forms roving flocks in winter and visits bird feeders. Sexes are dissimilar.