Washington designated the willow goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) as the official state bird in 1951. Also called American goldfinch or wild canary, the male goldfinch has a bright yellow body with black wings and tail, and black on top of his head. The female's plumage is more muted with an olive-yellow body and dark brown tail and wings (the male goldfinch also displays this same dull plumage in the winter months).

Active and acrobatic little birds, goldfinches fly with a bouncy, undulating pattern The diet of the goldfinch consists mainly of seeds. The American goldfinch is also the state bird of Iowa and New Jersey.

Female American goldfinch (willow goldfinch) - photo by Matthew (jackanapes) on Flickr - noncommercial use permitted with attribution / no derivative works - see all state birds