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. [
1913 Webster]
" The name is also applied to other yellow finches, esp. to several additional American species of Spinus."
[1913 Webster]