Lesser Goldfinchs in Washington
When lesser goldfinches are present in Washington, when they nest, which native Washington plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4a–9a yard.
- Status in Washington
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- April–August
- Broods
- 2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4a–9a
- Range note
- Expanding into south-central and western Washington.
When to expect lesser goldfinches in Washington
Lesser Goldfinchs are summer residents in Washington, arriving shortly before nesting begins in April and leaving after the young are independent. Expanding into south-central and western Washington. Through the season they feed on seeds, some insects.
Marine west-coast climate west of the Cascades, semi-arid shrub-steppe to the east.
Nesting in Washington
Across Washington, lesser goldfinches typically nest from April–August. Nest site: cup in shrubs or trees. Females lay 3–6 eggs, incubate for 12–13 days, and young leave the nest after 12–15 days.
Dry, sunny summers west of the Cascades; hot in the Columbia Basin.
- Lesser Goldfinchs don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, rabbitbrush for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after August.
Native Washington plants that attract lesser goldfinches
Of the regional native plants we track for Washington, these 8 provide food or cover lesser goldfinches use:
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.
Annual native sunflower — the original feeder seed.
Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Feeding lesser goldfinches through the Washington year
A common western finch year-round; drinks often, so water is a strong draw.
- Best foods: Nyjer, Sunflower chips.
- In Washington's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for lesser goldfinches · Best feeder for lesser goldfinches
Frequently asked
Are lesser goldfinches in Washington year-round?
No. Lesser Goldfinchs are summer breeders in Washington and leave for the winter. Expanding into south-central and western Washington.
When do lesser goldfinches nest in Washington?
Nesting in Washington typically runs April–August, with 2 per season. Clutches are 3–6 eggs, incubated for 12–13 days.
What native plants attract lesser goldfinches in Washington?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Rabbitbrush are native plants in Washington that provide food or cover for lesser goldfinches.
Lesser Goldfinchs in other regions
Other backyard birds in Washington
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
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Washington
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
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.