Lesser Goldfinch

11 cm (4-5") Common. Western United States. Dry bushy fields, gardens, open woods, streams.

Very small finch.

Male: black cap. Either a black or green back (two races exist). Black wings have white on them. Bright yellow underparts including undertail coverts. Male American Goldfinch has white undertail coverts.

Female or Immature: resembles female American Goldfinch but smaller, more greenish with a dark non-contrasting rump and yellow undertail coverts. Female American Goldfinch has a pale contrasting rump and white undertail coverts.

In flight; undulating flight.

Song: sweet rising and falling notes suggest American Goldfinch; descending "tee-yee" call.

Videos

Images

Credit: barloventomagico

Credit: Wayne Dumbleton

Credit: Images by John 'K'

Credit: J.N. Stuart

Distribution Maps

Lesser Goldfinch winter distribution map

Lesser Goldfinch distribution map