The Goldfinch Sounds app features recordings of goldfinch birds singing, which can serve as a practical option for a master, as well as goldfinch birds fishing in an effort to maintain a diligent sound. The goldfinch's contact call is the most typical sound it makes and is typically given while the bird is in flight. To my ears, it sounds like the bird is softly muttering "potato chip" in a rhythm that is very consistent. When feeding in groups or when tending their nests, birds will occasionally let out loud alarm calls. When a male lands near a female in the spring or early summer, he will often follow up his approach with a burst of song. This courtship call is called a tee-yee. When they hear their mate approaching with food, females who are brooding their young make a rapid succession of high notes with their beaks. When a bird's nest is threatened, it lets out a loud bay-bee call with two distinct parts.

The head of the goldfinch is black and white, while its face is bright red. The back and flanks are a buff color, which can also be described as chestnut brown. A broad yellow bar can be seen across the black wings. The back of the animal is white, while the tail is black. The only difference between males and females is that the red area on the female's face is a little less noticeable.