American Goldfinch. (Male)

I spotted several goldfinches on my farm today. I was able to capture a photo of this one as he sat on a tree branch.

Spring males are brilliant yellow and shiny black with a bit of white. Females and all winter birds are more dull but identifiable by their conical bill; pointed, notched tail; wingbars; and lack of streaking. During molts they look bizarrely patchy.