The American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is a member of the family of true finches, Fringillidae. It is the only member of the subfamily Cardulinae to under a molt twice a year (spring & autumn)  It’s generic name had recently been Carduelis but now it has reverted to Linnaeus’s original one of Spinus. Males are brighter, and with a black cap in breeding plumage.