Species · GBIF taxon 5231643
Lawrence's Goldfinch
Spinus lawrenceiLawrence'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

Licensed referenceBirdenheck / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Fiddleneck 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
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyFringillidae
- SpeciesSpinus lawrencei
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- 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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