Weldon Spring (Suburb of St. Louis), Missouri, United States - Gold Finch? (1 Viewer)

I am new to birding. I have seen the usual Cardinal, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, Starling, Wrens, House Finch, Black Birds, Juncos and even a Tufted Titmouse. This morning I saw an unusual little fellow. 'He/she' was smaller than a House Finch - looked muddy yellow-green on its body but the wings and tail feathers looked 'striped' black and white' from behind when he/she was standing on my porch. Could this be a Golden Finch? Shouldn't they be gone somewhere warm at this time of year? We have recently had an ice storm with snow. I have lots of black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, and a cheap mix of cracked corn, millet and sunflower seeds. I'm not sure what this little bird was eating- either the thistle or black oil seeds.

Sounds like an American Goldfinch to me. Sibley lists them as being year round in the St. Louis, MO area. They prefer thistle seed, but I have seen many eat black oil sunflower seeds as well.

You're right, it sounds like an American Goldfinch. They love thistle seeds and stay around all winter in your parts.

Thanks!