noun
goldfinch
GOHLD-finch/ˈɡəʊldfɪntʃ/
A small seed-eating songbird with yellow markings.
The yellow goldfinch perches on a thistle stem, showing its black cap and wings.
Etymology
Gold points to the yellow wing markings of the European finch. The name was also applied to similarly marked North American birds.
In context
In numbers, the goldfinch becomes more than a fragile creature, it becomes part of a living network.
More examples
- Two goldfinches pull seeds from a dried sunflower.
- The goldfinch flashes its yellow feathers as it flies away.
- We hear a goldfinch singing from the top of a tree.
Forms
goldfinch · goldfinches
Similar words
- finch
- A broader bird group that includes goldfinches and other seed-eaters.
- songbird
- A broader term that does not specify color or diet.