Lesser Goldfinch

The Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) is a small, vibrant finch native to the Americas, known for its striking yellow plumage and remarkable adaptability across diverse habitats. Despite its small size, the Lesser Goldfinch plays a significant role in the ecosystems it inhabits, from the southwestern United States to northern South America.

The Lesser Goldfinch is one of the smallest finches in North America, distinguished by its bright yellow underparts and distinctive black or greenish-black upperparts in males. The species exhibits significant geographical variation, particularly in male plumage, which ranges from solid black to medium green across its range.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: The Lesser Goldfinch measures between 9 to 12 centimeters (3.5 to 4.7 inches) in length.
• Weight: It weighs between 8 to 11.5 grams (0.28 to 0.41 ounces), making it one of the smallest true finches.
• Wingspan: The wingspan ranges from 16 to 18 centimeters (6.3 to 7.1 inches).
• Plumage:
  • Males: Display bright yellow underparts with black or greenish-black upperparts. The amount of black varies regionally, with some populations exhibiting solid black backs and others having greenish backs. Males also have large white patches on their wings and tails.
  • Females: Less vibrant than males, with olive-gray upperparts and dull yellowish underparts. They have a narrow strip of white on the wings and little or no white on the tail.
  • Juveniles: Similar to females but with buffier underparts and less distinct markings.

Size Comparison with Other Finches

Taxonomy

The Lesser Goldfinch is a member of the genus Spinus, which includes several species of goldfinches and siskins in the New World. It was first described by the American zoologist Thomas Say in 1822 under the binomial name Fringilla psaltria. The genus Spinus was introduced by the German naturalist Carl Ludwig Koch in 1816, and the Lesser Goldfinch is closely related to the American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) and Lawrence’s Goldfinch (Spinus lawrencei).

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Passeriformes
• Family: Fringillidae
• Genus: Spinus
• Species: Spinus psaltria

Subspecies

Five subspecies of the Lesser Goldfinch are recognized, though their validity has been questioned due to the clinal variation in male plumage:

1. Spinus psaltria psaltria: Found in the eastern Rocky Mountains and Texas, extending south to northern South America. Males typically have black backs.
2. Spinus psaltria hesperophilus: Common in western North America, particularly in the far western U.S. and northwestern Mexico. Males often have green backs.
3. Spinus psaltria colombianus: Found east and south of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, with males showing richer yellow underparts.
4. Spinus psaltria jouyi: Inhabits the Yucatán Peninsula and adjacent regions of Mexico, notable for even yellower males.
5. Spinus psaltria witti: Found in the Tres Marías Islands off Nayarit, Mexico, requires further study for proper classification.

Distribution and Range

The Lesser Goldfinch has a broad range, extending from the southwestern United States to northern South America. It is highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, from arid deserts to lush tropical forests.

Global Distribution

Population Distribution

The Lesser Goldfinch is most common in open woodlands and areas with abundant seed-producing plants. It is also a frequent visitor to gardens and bird feeders, especially in urban and suburban areas.

Population and Conservation Status

The Lesser Goldfinch is a common and widespread species with a stable population trend. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists it as a species of Least Concern, indicating no immediate threats to its overall population.

Population Estimates

Habitat

The Lesser Goldfinch prefers open habitats where seed-producing plants are abundant. It can be found in a range of environments, including deserts, woodlands, scrublands, and urban areas.

Habitat Preferences

• Breeding Habitat: Open woodlands, scrublands, and gardens with plenty of seed-producing plants like thistles and sunflowers.
• Winter Habitat: Similar to breeding habitats, but with a tendency to move into lower elevations and more urbanized areas where food sources are plentiful.

Adaptation to Human Environments

The Lesser Goldfinch is well adapted to human-altered landscapes and frequently visits gardens and bird feeders. It thrives in suburban areas where it can find ample food and nesting sites.

Behavior

The Lesser Goldfinch is an active and social bird, often seen in flocks during the non-breeding season. It exhibits a characteristic undulating flight pattern and is known for its lively and complex vocalizations.

Vocalization and Communication

The song of the Lesser Goldfinch is a prolonged warble or twitter, often incorporating imitations of other bird species. Its call is a harsh “chig chig chig,” frequently given during flight. Another distinctive call is a high-pitched, drawn-out whistle that varies in pitch.

Social Structure

Lesser Goldfinches are highly social and often form flocks, especially outside the breeding season. These flocks can include other finch species, and the birds are known for their gregarious nature at feeding sites.

Feeding

The Lesser Goldfinch primarily feeds on seeds, with a preference for those from composite plants such as thistles and sunflowers. Its small, conical beak is well suited for extracting seeds from seed heads.

Seasonal Feeding Habits

• Spring and Summer: Feeds on seeds from thistles, sunflowers, and other seed-producing plants. Insects are also consumed, particularly during the breeding season.
• Autumn and Winter: Continues to rely on seeds, with increased visits to bird feeders in urban areas.

Feeding Behavior

Lesser Goldfinches are known for their acrobatic feeding style, often hanging upside down to reach seeds. They forage in flocks and are highly opportunistic, taking advantage of abundant food sources such as bird feeders.

Breeding

The breeding season for the Lesser Goldfinch varies depending on the region, but it generally occurs from spring through late summer. The species is monogamous, with pairs forming strong bonds during the breeding season.

Breeding Characteristics

• Nesting: The female builds a cup-shaped nest, usually in a shrub or tree. The nest is constructed from plant fibers, grasses, and lined with soft materials like feathers.
• Clutch Size: Typically 3-5 eggs.
• Egg Description: Pale blue or white, with no markings.
• Incubation Period: About 12-14 days, with the female primarily responsible for incubation.
• Fledging: Young goldfinches leave the nest approximately 12-17 days after hatching but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks.

Breeding Data

Threats

The Lesser Goldfinch faces few significant threats due to its adaptability and wide distribution. However, certain environmental changes could impact local populations.

Specific Threats

• Habitat Loss: Urbanization and deforestation can reduce the availability of suitable breeding and foraging habitats.
• Climate Change: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns could affect the availability of food sources, particularly during the breeding season.
• Predation: Natural predators include hawks, snakes, and domestic cats, especially during the breeding season when eggs and nestlings are vulnerable.

Migration

The Lesser Goldfinch is considered a partial migrant, with some populations moving seasonally while others remain sedentary. Migration is influenced by food availability and climate conditions.

Migration Patterns

Conclusion

The Lesser Goldfinch is a small but remarkable bird, well adapted to a variety of habitats across the Americas. Its vibrant plumage, acrobatic feeding behavior, and lively song make it a favorite among birdwatchers. Despite facing some environmental challenges, the species remains abundant and widespread, with a stable population.

For those interested in birdwatching or ornithology, the Lesser Goldfinch offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a species that has successfully adapted to both natural and human-altered landscapes. Whether observed in its native woodlands or at a backyard feeder, the Lesser Goldfinch continues to captivate with its beauty and behavior.