General
Lesser Goldfinch: Small finch with dark back (black in the east, dark green in the west), black crown, and bright yellow underparts. Wings and tail are black with white markings. Winter male is duller. Female is smaller, duller, and lacks black cap. Juvenile is similar to female but has greener underparts.
Range and Habitat
Lesser Goldfinch: Resident from Washington, Oregon, and northern Nevada east to northern Colorado and Texas, and south beyond the U.S.-Mexico border. Eastern race is found from northern Colorado southward through Texas and westward to Utah and Arizona. Western race occurs from Utah westward to Columbia River and southward into Mexico. Preferred habitats include oak savannas, woodlands, and suburban gardens.
Breeding and Nesting
Lesser Goldfinch: Three to six light blue eggs are laid in a twiggy nest built in a bush or low tree. Incubation is approximately 12 days and is carried out by the female.
Foraging and Feeding
Lesser Goldfinch: Diet consists mostly of seeds.
Readily Eats
Peanuts, Suet, Millet, Thistle, Fruit, Sunflower Seeds (hulled)
Vocalization
Lesser Goldfinch: Song is a rapid medley of twittering notes. Call is a plaintive "tee-yee" or "cheeo."
Similar Species
Lesser Goldfinch: Female and juvenile American Goldfinches have browner upperparts, pale bills, and lack white wing patches.