Lesser Goldfinch

Overview

The Lesser Goldfinch is a diminutive finch of the southwestern United States, smaller than the American Goldfinch, with males showing a black or dark greenish back contrasting with bright yellow underparts. Regional variation exists in back color, with some western males showing solid black backs and others a greenish tone.

Its small size and bold two-toned male plumage make its feathers fairly distinctive within its range.

Recognizing the Feathers

• Male back/cap feathers: black or dark olive-green, depending on regional population
• Male underside feathers: bright yellow, unstreaked
• Wing feathers: black with white patches, present in both sexes
• Female feathers: duller olive-yellow overall, without the strong two-tone contrast

Overall smaller size than the American Goldfinch, combined with a darker (black or dark green) back contrasting sharply with yellow underparts, helps separate this species from its more widespread relative.

Plumage

Males show a black or dark greenish back and cap with bright yellow underparts; females are duller yellow-olive throughout. Unlike the American Goldfinch, this species does not show as dramatic a seasonal molt, retaining much of its coloring year-round with only subtle wear.

Habitat & Range

Lesser Goldfinches inhabit open woodland edges, scrub, gardens and riparian areas across the southwestern United States, Mexico, and into parts of Central and South America. Many populations are non-migratory residents.

Behavior & Field Notes

This species feeds on small seeds, especially from composite flowers, and is a frequent visitor to feeders in its range. It often travels in small flocks and gives a variety of sweet, whistled calls, sometimes mimicking other species. A small yellow feather with a dark black or greenish back feather nearby, found in the southwestern US, points to this species over the larger American Goldfinch.