Bird Description

Fairly common breeder in mixed forest. In winter, many move s. to more open wooded areas, feeding in trees, brush, and on the ground. Common visitors to thistle feeders in some areas, often with AMGO and other species. Like crossbills, often fly around in tight bouncy flocks. Noisy, giving an array of whinny and squeaky notes and trills at different pitches. Tips at 45° as it peers down. ID: A streaky bird with a complex wing pattern and a bill as sharp as a rose thorn. Small-headed and long-necked for a finch. Forked tail. In flight, yellow bases to flight feathers form a strong panel. All show same basic pattern. Ad ?: whitest underparts and boldest streaks, with the most yellow in wing bar. A few birds have less extensive streaking and stronger yellow tones most noticeable on underparts. Imm ?: dullest with diffuse streaks on buff background.