Identification
Fairly common in lowlands and foothills (rarely at higher elevations), where it is found in town parks, gardens, matorral, woodland, and open and semiopen areas with bushes. Spirited bubbling and warbling song can be prolonged and draw attention, but often given from concealed perch in the tree canopy. Like other siskins, often in flocks, especially in nonbreeding season. Male is yellow overall with messy blackish cap and chin patch. Female is a rather drab grayish or yellowish overall, but note distinctive yellow wing patches. Compare with Grassland Yellow-Finch, which often occurs in same areas.