Lesser Goldfinch
Carduelis psaltria
DescriptionThis bird is sometimes found foraging with the more colorful American Goldfinches. The Lesser Goldfinch feed on thistle and other weed seeds and raise their young on soft unripe seeds. The time and location of their breeding is associated with the availability of the seeds.
General: 4 to 4.5 inches in length.
Male: There are two forms of the male. One has a greenish back, cheek, and rump. The other is black-backed. Both have yellow underparts and a black crown, wings, and tail. White patches on wings. Female: Greenish upperparts and yellow underparts. 2 white wing bars. Both male and female have a notched tail.
Immature: Similar to female.
Backyards, woodlands, and brushy fields.
Nesting4-5 pale blue eggs with a 12 day incubation period. Fledging occurs in ? days. The nest is an open cup made from twigs and is usually built in a bush or low tree.
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