2010 Goldfinch Colored Commemorative Quarter

Part of the Birds of Canada Quarter Series.

After a one-year hiatus, this captivating series returns with a beautiful coloured coin showcasing the eyecatching American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis). The Goldfinch’s bright, canary-yellow plumage is reserved for the male while the female is more olive-hued. As the year progresses, the male’s colouring becomes increasingly subdued, as will the female’s. No other finch in the cardueline family displays such a striking difference in its summer and winter colours. Scientists believe this is because the Goldfinch goes through a unique springtime moult instead of gradually wearing down its feathers like other finches.

Design: A goldfinch spreads it wings to reveal the distinctive bright yellow plumage for which it is named.