The Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) gets its common name from its resemblance to the American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis), which is known for its bright yellow plumage. However, the Lesser Goldfinch is smaller in size, hence the name “Lesser” Goldfinch. Other distinguishing features of the Lesser Goldfinch include the black cap and bib, white wing bars, and green back and rump.
Quick Facts About the Lesser Goldfinch
Here are some key facts about the Lesser Goldfinch:
- Scientific Name: Spinus psaltria
- Average Length: 4.3-5.1 inches
- Average Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches
- Average Weight: 0.39 ounces
- Average Lifespan: 3 years
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
- Key Identifying Traits: Small size, black cap and bib, green back
- Main Habitats: Chaparral, woodlands, gardens
- Diet: Seeds, buds, insects
- Nesting: Cup nests in shrubs and trees
- Eggs: Pale blue with brown speckles, clutch size 3-6
- Range: Western North America
Appearance and Size
Lesser Goldfinches are very small songbirds, measuring only 4-5 inches in length and weighing around 0.4 ounces on average. Their wingspan ranges from 7.5-8.7 inches across. They have a short notched tail and a small pointed bill suited for eating seeds. Plumage-wise, adult males in breeding condition have bright yellow underparts, a green back and black wings with white markings. They have a striking black cap and bib. Females are duller overall but share the same pattern. Juveniles start out a plain brown before molting into adult plumage.
Distinguishing Features
Some key features that help distinguish Lesser Goldfinches from other similar finch species include:
- Small size and compact shape
- Black cap and bib contrasting yellow underparts
- Green back and rump
- White wing bars
- Notched tail
- Conical bill
- High-pitched musical call notes
Comparison to American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch looks very similar to the Lesser Goldfinch but is distinctly larger. The American Goldfinch measures 4.3-5.5 inches long with a wingspan of 7.5-10.2 inches and weighs 0.5-0.7 ounces. The American Goldfinch also lacks the bold black cap and bib of the Lesser Goldfinch. Its head is yellow like the underparts. Females and juveniles of both species are best distinguished by range since they can look very alike.
Range and Habitat
Lesser Goldfinches live year-round across much of western North America. Their breeding range extends from western Oregon and California south to Baja California in Mexico. They are also found in suitable habitat through parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Lesser Goldfinches primarily frequent open oak or pine-oak woodlands, chaparral, and weed fields. They have readily adapted to human habitats like suburbs, parks, and gardens.
Ideal Lesser Goldfinch Habitat
Lesser Goldfinch habitat generally includes:
- Open woodlands with shrubs, small trees, and weedy clearings
- Chaparral scrublands
- Backyards, parks, and gardens with native plants
- Ample fine seeds from grasses, composites like thistles, bushes, and trees
- Nearby water access
- Trees and shrubs for nesting sites
Range Map
Here is a range map for the Lesser Goldfinch:
Image source: Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 3.0 license
Migration
Lesser Goldfinches are primarily non-migratory birds. Those that breed in the northern parts of the range may migrate short distances south for the winter. But most Lesser Goldfinches simply wander locally within their breeding range in search of food. They may descend in elevation or flock into more urban areas when food becomes scarce.
Winter Range
During the winter months, Lesser Goldfinches can be found:
- Across breeding range year-round
- South to central Mexico
- In flocks feeding on seeds, especially near feeders
- At lower elevations relative to summer
Seasonal Movements
Though not true migrants, Lesser Goldfinches do make small seasonal movements based on food availability including:
- Moving downslope in winter to escape icy conditions
- Wandering locally in search of seed sources
- Flocking together in larger numbers at productive feeders
- Dispersing back uphill to breed as conditions allow
Diet and Feeding
Lesser Goldfinches are primarily granivorous, feeding mainly on small seeds. Their diet consists of:
- Seeds of composites like thistles and dandelion
- Grass seeds
- Seeds from trees and shrubs like birch, alder, and sunflower
- Buds when seeds are scarce
- Occasional berries and fruits
- Some insects for protein like aphids and caterpillars
They forage while perching or on the ground, using their conical bill to extract seeds from seed heads. Lesser Goldfinches often feed in flocks, especially when visiting bird feeders stocked with nyjer seed or sunflower chips.
Adaptations for Feeding
Lesser Goldfinches have several key adaptations that aid their granivorous lifestyle:
- Sharp, pointed bill efficient at cracking into seeds
- Ability to digest seeds other birds can’t
- Flocking behavior to locate productive food sources
- High metabolism to generate energy from seeds
- Ability to drink brackish water allowing use of marginal habitats
Common Foods by Season
Season | Common Foods |
---|---|
Spring | Thistle, sunflower, alder, birch, insect eggs and larvae |
Summer | Thistle, sunflower, grass seed, fruits, insects |
Fall | Thistle, sunflower, nyjer, fruits, grass seed |
Winter | Birch, nyjer, bird feeders, buds |
Reproduction and Nesting
Lesser Goldfinches breed between mid March and early September depending on their range. They typically form monogamous breeding pairs and remain together for a single breeding season. Courtship displays include the male flying over the female in an undulating pattern while singing.
Nesting
For nesting, Lesser Goldfinches:
- Build a compact cup nest 3-4 inches across
- Use materials like bark strips, leaves, twigs, and grasses
- Nest in shrubs, trees, or vines up to 40 feet high
- Prefer thorny vegetation that deters predators
- Lay one pale blue egg per day until clutch of 3-6
- Only the female incubates the eggs for 12-14 days
- Both parents feed the hatchlings
- Fledglings leave nest at 13-17 days old
Breeding Season Timeline
A typical Lesser Goldfinch breeding timeline is:
- Early spring – Pairs return to breeding sites
- Mid-March to May – Nest building and egg laying
- May to July – Incubation and rearing young
- June to September – Multiple broods possible
- August to September – Nesting concludes, flocking increases
Behavior and Communication
Lesser Goldfinches have some notable behaviors and communication methods including:
Flocking
Lesser Goldfinches form large foraging flocks outside of breeding season, sometimes mixed with other finch species. Flocking improves their ability to find patchy food sources.
Flight and Posture
In flight, Lesser Goldfinches have bouncy, up-and-down wingbeats. They have a hunched posture when perched. In display, males hover and fly in broad circles above females.
Vocalizations
Vocalizations include a series of high-pitched descending whistles like “potato chip” and rapid “dit-dit-dit” calls. Males sing a pleasant warbling song during courtship.
Interactions with Other Species
Lesser Goldfinches may flock, forage, or associate with other similar finches. They can be aggressively territorial around nests, chasing away other birds. Common nest predators include jays and squirrels.
Conservation Status
The Lesser Goldfinch has an extensive range and large total population. According to the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.
Population Trends
Lesser Goldfinch numbers declined somewhat from the late 1960s to 1980s due to loss of open habitats. But populations have recovered and are now increasing, especially where food sources like feeders or gardens are abundant.
Major Threats
There are no major threats currently facing Lesser Goldfinch populations. Predation and habitat loss have some impact on local numbers. Use of pesticides reduces their insect food supply.
Conservation Efforts
Efforts to support Lesser Goldfinch populations include:
- Creating and protecting open woodland habitats
- Planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers that provide seeds
- Limiting pesticide use in areas where they nest and forage
- Providing supplemental food and nesting sites through backyard habitats
Fun Facts
- Lesser Goldfinches can survive drinking saline or brackish water that contains twice the salt content of ocean water.
- Their Latin name “psaltria” means “female harper or harp player”, referring to their musical vocalizations.
- Lesser Goldfinches will occasionally raid the nests of other bird species and steal hair and fibers to line their own nests.
- The male Lesser Goldfinch does a display flight called “butterfly flight” to attract females, fluttering erratically through the air.
- Lesser Goldfinches molt twice per year, changing into a dull greenish-yellow plumage for the winter months.
Summary
In summary, the Lesser Goldfinch gets its common name from its smaller size yet resemblance to the bright yellow American Goldfinch. Identifying features include the black cap and bib, green back, white wing bars, notched tail, and small size. Lesser Goldfinches range through western North America in open habitats like woodlands, chaparral, and suburban areas. Though not true migrants, they may wander locally in winter. Lesser Goldfinches feed mainly on seeds from composites, grasses, and shrubs. They breed between March and September, nesting in a compact cup nest placed in thorny vegetation. Lesser Goldfinch populations are thriving overall and the species is classified as Least Concern.