Goldfinch? Virginia, USA (1 Viewer)

[gsimonel]

Is this an American goldfinch in these photos? I took them earlier today at Lake Fairfax in northern Virginia. I'd never noticed a white spot on the breast of a goldfinch before.

 

[AveryBartels]

Yes, a male American Goldfinch. The white areas on breast and flanks are un-moulted non-breeding plumage feathers. In a couple weeks it will finish moulting and have the fully yellow underparts.

 

[rkj]

Yes, a male American Goldfinch. The white areas on breast and flanks are un-moulted non-breeding plumage feathers. In a couple weeks it will finish moulting and have the fully yellow underparts.

Except for the undertail coverts, which will remain white.