Mabel Osgood Wright

“ Seen even at a distance his markings are distinct, his identity complete; you do not have to puzzle or worry, but simply enjoy his society; he does not wish your berries, but helps you remove the dandelion down from the lawn before the wind sows it broadcast, and all the while you hear Canary-like music, but wilder and more joyous, from behind a twig lattice instead of cage bars.
The black cap gives the male a ferocious look, wholly at variance with his character, while his mate is agreeably feminine and gentle. ”

“ Coax the wild clematis everywhere that it can gain footing; and in winter, when these joyous birds, gathered in flocks, are roving, hard-pressed for food, scatter some sweepings of bird seed about their haunts, repaying in this their silent season, their summer melody. ”

“ Range North America generally, wintering mostly south of the northern boundary of the United States. The American Goldfinch, known under many titles, is as familiar as the Robin, Catbird, and Wren, but its beauty and winning ways always seem new and interesting. ”