LESSER GOLDFINCH GALLERY
(Spinus psaltria)

eBird describes the Lesser Goldfinch as follows:  Tiny yellowish finch. Blackish conical bill is stout, but sharply pointed. Long wings are black with one white wingbar and large white patch at the base of the primaries. Small head. Short notched tail. Adult males have either green or black (Texas to South America) back. Regularly visits feeders. Females similar to American Goldfinch; note bill shape and color, usually more yellowish undertail coverts, less distinct wingbars, and more obvious white patch at base of primaries.

I have seen the Lesser Goldfinch on several occasions at Warbler Woods in Cibolo, Texas.  It is always a delight to see this beautiful little bird!

Lesser Goldfinch at Warbler Pond in Warbler Woods, May 15, 2020.
Lesser Goldfinch taking a bath at Warbler Pond, May 8, 2020.
Lesser Goldfinch in the trees above Warbler Pond, May 15, 2020.


“Cool Facts” About the Lesser Goldfinch From All About Birds…

  • Male Lesser Goldfinches in the eastern part of their range in the U.S. tend to have black backs. Along the West Coast, their backs are green, with only a black cap. Elsewhere, the amount of black varies, with many birds having partly green backs. South of central Mexico, all of the males are black-backed.
  • Lesser Goldfinches are most common in California and Texas, with pockets of local populations throughout the rest of its U.S. range.
  • At feeding sites, Lesser Goldfinches typically mix in with other birds, such as Lawrence’s and American Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, House Finches, Lark Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows, and Western Bluebirds.
  • Where their ranges overlap in California, the Lesser Goldfinch—though smaller—dominates the Lawrence’s Goldfinch. The Lesser Goldfinch eats first at feeding stations and chases Lawrence’s Goldfinches away from nesting sites.
  • The oldest known wild Lesser Goldfinch was a male, and at least 7 years old when he was recaptured and rereleased during banding operations in California in 2015.