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Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: FRINGILLIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Lesser Goldfinch Photo

© Kevin T. Karlson

The Lesser Goldfinch is a small, seed-eating finch of the Southwest. It comes in two forms: a dark-backed one in Texas, and a greenish-backed one farther westward.

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Appearance

Finches
Finches
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small bird.
  • Bill small, pointed, conical, and dark.
  • Body bright yellow to dull brown.
  • Wings dark with large white wingbars and patches of white.
  • Large white patch in wing visible in flight.
  • Tail short and notched.
  • Breeding male bright yellow with black cap and wings, some with black backs.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult female, except more buffy.

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Lesser Goldfinch Range Map
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