Washington designated the willow goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) as the official state bird in 1951. Also called American goldfinch or wild canary, the male goldfinch has a bright yellow body with black wings and tail, and black on top of his head. The female's plumage is more muted with an olive-yellow body and dark brown tail and wings (the male goldfinch also displays this same dull plumage in the winter months).

American goldfinch eating dandelion seeds:
video courtesy of BirdCinema.com

The diet of the eastern Goldfinch consists mainly of seeds from dandelions, sunflowers, ragweed, and evening primrose.

Male American goldfinch photo © Richard Mousel / CritterZone:
Animal - Wildlife - Nature Stock Photography
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