Spinus psaltria
The Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) is a diminutive and spritely member of the finch family, renowned for its acrobatic foraging and melodious song. Males of the western subspecies (S. p. hesperophila) are strikingly patterned with a glossy black cap, bright lemon-yellow underparts, and olive-green back, accented by crisp white patches on the wings and tail, while the eastern subspecies (S. p. psaltria) often displays a black back. Females are more subdued, typically olive-green above and ...
This adaptable species thrives in semi-open habitats, including weedy fields, shrublands, riparian corridors, open woodlands, suburban parks, and gardens. It typically occurs at low to moderate elevations, but can be found at higher altitudes in mountainous regions.
Primarily granivorous, their diet consists almost exclusively of small seeds, with a strong preference for members of the sunflower (Asteraceae) family, especially thistle, dandelion, and ragweed. They supplement this with occasional small insects, particularly during the breeding season.
Lesser Goldfinches are highly active, diurnal birds, often seen in small, bustling flocks outside the breeding season, which can merge into larger, mixed-species foraging groups. Their foraging strategy is characterized by acrobatic agility, frequently hanging upside down to extract seeds from co...
The Lesser Goldfinch boasts an extensive geographic distribution spanning from the southwestern United States south through Mexico and Central America, and continuing into northern South America, reaching as far as Peru and Bolivia. In the U.S., their breeding range encompasses much of California...
Least Concern
- The Lesser Goldfinch is the smallest of North America's three goldfinch species. - Its flight call, often described as 'tee-yee' or 'chick-pee,' is a reliable identifier even when the bird is out of sight. - Males are known for their remarkable vocal mimicry, incorporating snippets of other bir...