Identifying a bird in Northern New Jersey?

Question

There was small bird in my neighbor's backyard, maybe the height of my finger not including tail. It was greenish-yellow on the body and slightly duller on its back/wings. Never seen one like it here before. It was flying low around the branches of a small tree. If it helps, I live in a suburb in Bergen County with small backyards with a few trees, not like miniature forests.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I'm wondering if maybe it was an American Goldfinch, but still with its winter coloring?  Or, maybe a female Goldfinch.

s*x Differences

Summer male is bright yellow with a black cap whereas female is drab olive. Sexes similar and drab in winter

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBir...

PS. We get those birds here in Westchester County, NY, so its very likely to could see them in your area as well.  You typically won't find them at a regular bird feeder, since they like to feed upside down.  You need a special feeder for them, with openings below the perch.  And, you'll need to fill the feeder with black thistle seed.