Lesser Goldfinchs in Wyoming
When lesser goldfinches are present in Wyoming, when they nest, which native Wyoming plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–5b yard.
- Status in Wyoming
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- May–August
- Broods
- 2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–5b
When to expect lesser goldfinches in Wyoming
Lesser Goldfinchs are summer residents in Wyoming, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on seeds, some insects.
Semi-arid high plains and basins with major mountain ranges; most towns lie above 5,000 ft.
Nesting in Wyoming
Across Wyoming, lesser goldfinches typically nest from May–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.
Short, warm summers with cool nights.
- Lesser Goldfinchs don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as rabbitbrush for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after August.
Native Wyoming plants that attract lesser goldfinches
Of the regional native plants we track for Wyoming, 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.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Feeding lesser goldfinches through the Wyoming year
A common western finch year-round; drinks often, so water is a strong draw.
- Best foods: Nyjer, Sunflower chips.
- In Wyoming'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 Wyoming year-round?
No. Lesser Goldfinchs are summer breeders in Wyoming and leave for the winter.
When do lesser goldfinches nest in Wyoming?
Nesting in Wyoming typically runs May–August, with 2 per season. Clutches are 3–6 eggs, incubated for 12–13 days.
What native plants attract lesser goldfinches in Wyoming?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Rabbitbrush are native plants in Wyoming that provide food or cover for lesser goldfinches.
Lesser Goldfinchs in other regions
Other backyard birds in Wyoming
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 — Wyoming
- 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.