A small, yellow-tinged finch with clear wingbars. The male is especially eye-catching, showing a yellow face and breast contrasted by a black cap and small dark chin patch. The female is more streaked and subdued but still shows yellow tones, particularly in the bright flashes on the wings and tail seen in both sexes. It favours mixed and coniferous woodland, but also occurs in parks and gardens where it will visit seed feeders. Often gathers in flocks during autumn and winter at reliable food sources. Its presence is often given away by twittering, buzzing sounds, including a nasal, rising “tuohweee” and dry chattering notes.