Lesser Goldfinch

The Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) is a diminutive songbird, a member of the finch family, and part of the New World goldfinch clade. It is recognized as the smallest North American Spinus finch and possibly the smallest true finch globally. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males displaying a black forehead—a trait absent in females. Males also show a remarkable variation in back color, ranging from green in the western parts of North America to black in regions from Texas to South America.

Identification Tips

Males of the Lesser Goldfinch can be identified by their bright yellow underparts and significant white patches on the tail and wings. Their back color varies from solid black to medium green. Females and immature birds have grayish olive-green upperparts and yellowish underparts, with only a narrow strip of white on the wings and minimal white on the tail. The species is distinguishable from other finches by its small size, lack of white or yellow on the upperparts, and dark gray bill.

Habitat

The Lesser Goldfinch is adaptable, inhabiting a range of environments with trees or shrubs, except for dense forests. It is often found in areas close to human habitation and is a common visitor to feeders in the southwestern United States.

Distribution

This bird's range extends from the southwestern United States, as far north as southwestern Washington, down to Venezuela and Peru. It migrates from the colder parts of its U.S. range.

Behaviour

The Lesser Goldfinch is known to form flocks or loose associations. It exhibits an undulating flight pattern, often accompanied by a distinctive harsh "chig chig chig" call. Another call is a high-pitched, drawn-out whistle. Its song is a prolonged warble or twitter, often incorporating imitations of other species.

Song & Calls

The Lesser Goldfinch's calls include a harsh "chig chig chig" and a very high-pitched, drawn-out whistle that may rise or fall in pitch. Its song consists of a prolonged warble or twitter, more phrased than that of the American goldfinch, and often includes mimicry.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in summer in temperate regions and possibly all year round in the tropics. The species lays three to four bluish-white eggs in a cup nest made of fine plant materials, situated in a bush or tree.

Similar Species

The Lesser Goldfinch may be confused with New World warblers if the finch bill is not clearly observed. However, its small size and distinctive markings set it apart from similar species.

Diet and Feeding

The diet primarily consists of tree buds and weed seeds. The species has also been observed engaging in geophagy—eating soil or clay.

Conservation Status

The IUCN lists the Lesser Goldfinch as a Species of Least Concern due to its extensive range. However, there are indications of local population declines, such as in the Ecuadorian Andes foothills.