Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)

This handsome (and tiny) bird lives year-round in central Texas eating seeds from plants in the daisy family – and sometimes eating insects. They are especially partial to nyjer thistle; if you want to attract them, they are drawn to yellow feeders. If you see one, you’ll usually see a large group; they tend to forage in flocks.

The male has a bright yellow breast with a black crown and back, and white wing patches. Females also have the white wing patch but are duller yellow underneath with olive backs. Lesser goldfinches are smaller than sparrows with a stub bill and a short, notched tail.

Lesser Goldfinch male. Photo credit: James Giroux

When ready to breed, the male will establish territory by calling and singing from treetops then attract a mate with a courtship call. The male will chase the female, flying rapidly through the trees, then they will sit together on a branch and call softly to each other. She builds their nest in a sheltered spot using leaves, bark, and spiderwebs then lines it with hair, feathers, wool, or plant fibers. A clutch of eggs consists of 3 to 6 eggs with a pale blue-white coloration and no markings. Eggs incubate for approximately two weeks with the nestling period being the same duration. In one year, the mating pair will produce two to three broods.

Lesser Goldfinch female. Photo credit: James Giroux

On my backyard feeder, lesser goldfinches are bold and will stand up to larger birds in pursuit of food – they will also chase one another off the feeder. This is a fast-moving bird with a dipping, bouncing flight and lots of tail flicking while feeding. Their song consists of clear notes, wheezes, trills, and stutters; they give the mockingbird a run for its money by incorporating snippets of other birds’ songs.  If you hear tee-yee or cheeo calls, look for the Lesser Goldfinch.

Compiled by Lisa S. Graham.  Sources include All About Birds (Cornell), Audubon Field Guide, and “National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America”.