Goldfinches are colorful songbirds that belong to the family Fringillidae. There are four main species of goldfinch that can be found in the United States: the American Goldfinch, the Lesser Goldfinch, the Lawrence’s Goldfinch, and the Rarely seen Eurasian Siskin.
American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is the most widespread and common type of goldfinch in North America. It can be found year-round across most of the lower 48 states, as well as southern Canada and northern Mexico. Some key facts about the American Goldfinch:
- Recognizable by its bright yellow body and black wings/tail. Males have a bright red face.
- Nests later in summer than other finches (July-August)
- Feeds primarily on seeds and will readily visit bird feeders
- State bird of Iowa, New Jersey, and Washington
The American Goldfinch displays dramatic seasonal changes in its plumage. In winter, both sexes take on a drab olive-yellow appearance with no black or red markings. Their bright breeding plumage returns in spring.
American Goldfinch Subspecies
There are four recognized subspecies of the American Goldfinch:
- S. t. tristis – Most widespread, found in central and eastern US and Canada
- S. t. pallidus – Western interior US and Canada
- S. t. salicamans – Coastal southwest US and northwest Mexico
- S. t. jewetti – Coastal southeast US
The subspecies vary slightly in size and color saturation but identification in the field is very difficult.
Lesser Goldfinch
The Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) overlaps in range with the American Goldfinch but is generally more common along the Pacific Coast. Identifying features include:
- Smaller than American Goldfinch
- Dark back contrasts with bright yellow underparts
- Black cap and bill
- White wing bars
- No red on face
Lesser Goldfinches build nests in trees and shrubs, earlier in the summer than American Goldfinches. They are permanent residents throughout much of their range.
Lesser Goldfinch Subspecies
Two subspecies of Lesser Goldfinch are recognized:
- S. p. psaltria – Most of range from southwest Oregon to Baja California
- S. p. hesperophilus – Interior western US
Lawrence’s Goldfinch
Lawrence’s Goldfinch (Spinus lawrencei) is a very localized species found in California and Baja California. Identifying traits include:
- Bright yellow underparts
- Olive-green back
- Yellow face
- Black hood that connects to black throat
Lawrence’s Goldfinches breed in open oak savannas and chaparral habitats. They feed mainly on seeds of native plants. Their limited range and specific habitat needs mean they are rarely observed outside southwest California.
Eurasian Siskin
The Eurasian Siskin (Spinus spinus) is an Old World goldfinch species that shows up very rarely as a vagrant in North America, mainly in Alaska. Distinctive features when compared to American Goldfinch:
- More streaked plumage
- Less yellow on underparts
- Distinct notched tail
- Sharper bill
There are only a handful of accepted records of Eurasian Siskin in North America each year. They can be nearly impossible to distinguish from female/juvenile American Goldfinches.
Similar Species
Other finch species that could potentially be confused with goldfinches in North America include:
- Pine Siskin – Smaller with heavy streaking and short, notched tail
- Evening Grosbeak – Much larger with huge conical bill
- Cassin’s Finch – Pinkish red on head and breast
Paying attention to size, bill shape, plumage patterns, and vocalizations helps distinguish goldfinches from these other finches.
Range and Habitat
Here is a comparison of the range and habitat preferences of the four goldfinch species in North America:
| Species | Range | Habitat |
|---|---|---|
| American Goldfinch | Much of US and southern Canada | Weedy fields, floodplains, roadsides. Prefers open areas with scattered shrubs or trees. |
| Lesser Goldfinch | Southwest US and California | Chaparral, oak savannas, open woodlands. Favors drier habitats than American Goldfinch. |
| Lawrence’s Goldfinch | Southwest California | Oak savannas and chaparral. Nesting closely tied to blue oak trees. |
| Eurasian Siskin | Rare vagrant to Alaska | Coniferous or mixed forests across Eurasia. Habitat in North America unknown. |
Migration Patterns
The migration patterns of American and Lesser Goldfinches differ considerably:
- American Goldfinch: Breeds across much of continental US and southern Canada. Northern populations migrate south for winter. Southern populations are non-migratory.
- Lesser Goldfinch: Largely resident across its range in southwest US. May make local movements based on food availability.
Lawrence’s Goldfinch and Eurasian Siskin do not migrate. Lawrence’s Goldfinch is non-migratory and the Eurasian Siskin is a rare vagrant in North America.
Backyard Identification Tips
Here are some tips for identifying goldfinches that visit feeders or yards:
- Note bright yellow underparts. Gray or dull yellow means it’s a different species.
- Watch for red or orange face if male American Goldfinch.
- Lesser Goldfinch smaller with black cap, no red face.
- Foraging habits can help – goldfinches love nyjer seed.
- Listen for flight call – a melodic “per-chick-o-ree”
Female and winter American Goldfinches lack the red face so pay attention to size, shape, behavior, and voice when identifying.
Conservation Status
Goldfinches are common songbirds not of significant conservation concern. Here is a brief overview of their conservation status:
- American Goldfinch: Least concern. Population stable and estimated at over 20 million.
- Lesser Goldfinch: Least concern. Population estimated at 3.5 million.
- Lawrence’s Goldfinch: Near threatened. Small population vulnerable to habitat loss.
- Eurasian Siskin: Least concern globally but rare in North America.
The clearing of land for development and agriculture threatens native vegetation used by Lesser and Lawrence’s Goldfinches for nesting and feeding. Providing appropriate shrubs and seed sources can help attract and support goldfinch populations.
Conclusion
While superficially similar, attentive birders can distinguish between American, Lesser, and Lawrence’s Goldfinches by plumage details, range, habitat, behavior, and voice. The American Goldfinch is by far the most widespread and common. Lesser Goldfinch occurs largely in the west, while Lawrence’s Goldfinch is restricted to southwest California. Eurasian Siskin is a rare vagrant from the Old World. Protecting native habitats that provide seeds and nesting sites is important for supporting goldfinch populations across North America.
