Fauna
Bird

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

Lawrence's goldfinches are highly nomadic, wandering erratically across arid western landscapes in search of water and annual seeds. Dressed in subtle tones of velvet-gray, yellow, and black, these social songbirds travel in pairs or small flocks, giving dry, bell-like tinkling calls in flight. They nest in loose colonies, choosing blue oaks or mistletoe clumps to raise their young before vanishing from the area for years at a time.

NomadicSongbirdSeed-eater
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyFiddleneck Seeds, Chamise Seeds, Mistletoe Berries
Predators
  • Sharp-shinned Hawk
  • Domestic Cat
  • American Kestrel
ThreatsClimate-induced drought, habitat fragmentation, and loss of water sources
HabitatsArid oak woodlands, chaparral, and riparian corridors
Life span3 to 6 years
  1. FamilyFringillidae
  2. SpeciesSpinus lawrencei
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Listen for Tinkling: Identify their presence by their distinctive, metallic, bell-like flight calls that sound like wind chimes.
  • Provide Water: Attract these nomadic visitors during dry seasons by maintaining a clean, dripping birdbath in your yard.
  • Plant Native Annuals: Grow fiddleneck and other native wildflowers to provide their preferred natural foraging sources.
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