In trying to come up with words to describe the intermediate stage of an American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) transforming from winter to summer garb, I immediately think of “patchwork quilt” but that is not quite right. After all quilts are beautiful pieces of art. This intermediate stage is an unfinished work, still in progress.

The first image is that transformative time, that intermediate stage, changing to a different outfit. Going from winter to summer garb. Goldfinches molt two times during the year, once in late winter and again in late summer. This photo, above, is of a male Goldfinch in his winter outfit. Trying to blend in as best he can.

And of course this is the outfit we all know to be the male Goldfinch in his summer suit. All set to knock our socks off with that smashing color.