Finches (Fringillidae)
Lesser Goldfinch
Spinus psaltria. Seeds of daisies and thistles.
Finches (Fringillidae)Lesser GoldfinchSpinus psaltria
- Scientific name
- Spinus psaltria
- Length
- 3.5–4.3 in
- Weight
- 0.3–0.4 oz
- Nest
- Cup in shrubs or trees
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 3–6 eggs
- Incubation
- 12–13 days
- Broods
- 2 per season
Identification
- Male bright yellow below with a black cap
- Back black (Texas) or green (West Coast)
- White wing patches
Voice
Plaintive 'tee-yee' and long mimicking songs.
Diet and feeding
Seeds of daisies and thistles.
What do lesser goldfinches eat? · Best feeder for lesser goldfinches
Lesser Goldfinchs by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Year-round resident | March–August |
| California | Year-round resident | March–August |
| Colorado | Year-round resident | April–August |
| Idaho | Summer breeder | April–August |
| Nevada | Year-round resident | April–August |
| New Mexico | Year-round resident | April–August |
| Oklahoma | Summer breeder | April–August |
| Oregon | Year-round resident | April–August |
| Texas | Year-round resident | March–August |
| Utah | Year-round resident | April–August |
| Washington | Summer breeder | April–August |
| Wyoming | Summer breeder | May–August |
Frequently asked
What do lesser goldfinches eat?
Seeds of daisies and thistles. At feeders: nyjer, sunflower chips.
How big is a Lesser Goldfinch?
3.5–4.3 in long and 0.3–0.4 oz.
Do lesser goldfinches use birdhouses?
No. Cup in shrubs or trees.
Sources
- Lesser Goldfinch — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Lesser Goldfinch life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Lesser Goldfinch — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.