Lesser Goldfinch

Carduelis psaltria
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Male Lesser Goldfinches in Texas Hill Country
	Lesser Goldfinch males (above) have very bright yellow undersides. Older males (left) have black backs. A splotchy green and black back (right) tells the observer that this is a first year male. Also, observe the shorter tail on this young finch. In the western US, adult males can have green backs with black caps.

Females and young goldfinches are not as dramatic. Their colors are subdued.

In flight, these goldfinches show white patches on the wings and white patches on the tail. You will quickly be able to identify their flight pattern. They usually travel in flocks.

Leave spent flowers such as rudbeckia so that the goldfinches can forage for seeds. Thistle Tube feeders with thistle (niger or nyjer seed) will attract these handsome birds. If you have wondered why some tube feeders force the goldfinches to feed upside down, the reason for this is to discourage other types of birds from "hogging" the feeder. Goldfinches quickly learn to hang upside down and they don't seem to mind!

The songs and calls of lesser goldfinches are pleasant. A tree full of goldfinches will get your attention due to their vivid colors and their "talkative" nature. They are not loud but they do like to vocalize. Young lesser goldfinches often accompany adults close to feeders. You will surely be able to observe adults feeding youngsters.

These beautiful birds are easy to attract and easy to please. I only have one word of caution. Do not store anything of value beneath a goldfinch feeder. Most birds do not leave much of a "mess" behind but goldfinches do! Also, do not keep a bird bath beneath the goldfinch feeder because it will become contaminated. Forgive me for being blunt, but it's better that you know before learning the hard way.

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