Large finch, nearly twice the size of a goldfinch. Stocky with strong, thick, pale bill and short, notched tail. Males are stunning with dark head fading to bright yellow underparts, and mostly black wings with bright white secondaries. Females are overall gray with some white on the wing. Flocks often come to feeders for sunflower seeds. Found in forested regions especially at higher elevations. Populations declining dramatically.
This one was at Gate 9, on March 28, 2023. We’ve entered him in the Glacier View Meadows Nature Calendar. Check it out if you’d like to see who else comes this time of year.
Interested in who else visits our neighborhood? Take a look at the Ecology Team Birds page.
Glacier View Meadows Ecology 