goldfinch \gold"finch`\, n. as. goldfinc. see gold, and
   finch. zool.
   a a beautiful bright-colored european finch carduelis
       elegans. the name refers to the large patch of yellow
       on the wings. the front of the head and throat are bright
       red; the nape, with part of the wings and tail, black; --
       called also goldspink, goldie, fool's coat,
       drawbird, draw-water, thistle finch, and sweet
       william.
   b the yellow-hammer.
   c a small american finch spinus tristis; the thistle
       bird.
       1913 webster

   note: the name is also applied to other yellow finches, esp.
         to several additional american species of spinus.
         1913 webster
see also:
gold finch carduelis elegans goldspink goldie fool's coat 
drawbird draw-water thistle finch sweet william spinus tristis 
spinus