The birdwatching world often highlights vibrant, flashy species, but the Lesser Goldfinch deserves attention with its understated beauty. These small birds have unique characteristics that make them fascinating, and with a few simple steps, you can attract them to your yard.
The “lesser” in their name refers to their small size rather than their importance or appearance. According to Emma Greig, project leader for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Project FeederWatch, “lesser” distinguishes them from the larger American Goldfinch.
Lesser Goldfinches (Spinus psaltria) are known for their rich brown feathers. These songbirds are petite, weighing only about one-third of an ounce and measuring around 4 inches. They have cone-shaped bills, short tails with notches, and long pointed wings, adding to their compact yet elegant form.
Males can be identified by olive green tones, yellow bellies, and black caps. In the eastern part of their range, from Wyoming to Texas, their backs are black, while in the west, they have green backs. Conversely, females are a softer olive above and yellow below, with both sexes showing a distinctive white wing patch.
Their flight pattern is also unique. As Emma Greig explains, “Goldfinches fly in an undulating pattern, flapping their wings to gain height and then closing them to descend.” This distinctive movement makes them easy to spot while flying.
Springtime is when you hear their soft, twittering songs as they court their mates. Pairs communicate with gentle chirps and eye contact before nesting in oak, cottonwood, or willow trees. Males participate in courtship by feeding the females, which continues throughout the incubation period.
To attract Lesser Goldfinches to your yard, try offering Nyjer or black oil sunflower seeds. Planting thistles is another effective way to bring them in. Interestingly, these birds are one of the few species that feed their young seeds, including thistle.
While commonly found in the southwestern United States, from California to Texas, Lesser Goldfinches also spend summers in parts of Washington and Wyoming. Their range extends south through Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Over the past 50 years, their population has grown, adapting well to human-altered environments like backyards and open fields.
Though not as colorful as some species, Lesser Goldfinches play an important role in their ecosystems. Their presence reminds us of the interconnectedness of nature and encourages us to appreciate the more subtle wonders of the bird world.
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