A bird of woodland edge, open areas, and second-growth habitats.

Breeding male is bright yellow with black cap, wings and tail. Female is duller, lacks black cap. In winter, male loses black cap, and both males and females become more brown or gray in overall color; however, always note the white undertail coverts (compare to Lesser Goldfinch).

Cup-shaped nest built from plant fibers is placed in shrubs or trees. Feeds on seeds from a variety of plants.