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.-the yellow-hammer.-a small american finch (spinus tristis); the thistle bird.