Fauna
Bird

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

Also known as Dark-backed Goldfinch, Arkansas Goldfinch, Green-backed Goldfinch

Lesser goldfinches gather in noisy, fluttering flocks to feed on weed seeds and thistle heads across brushy hillsides and suburban yards. Males vary regionally from green-backed forms in the West to striking jet-black-backed individuals in Texas and Mexico, though all display bright yellow underparts and bold white wing patches. Their sweet, twittering song often incorporates convincing imitations of other bird species, including kestrels and towhees.

SongbirdSocialSeed-eater
Lesser Goldfinch reference1 / 7
"Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)" by Gregory 'Slobirdr' Smith is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyThistle seeds, Sunflower seeds, Tree buds
Predators
  • Sharp-shinned Hawk
  • Cooper's Hawk
  • Domestic Cat
ThreatsHabitat clearance, window collisions, domestic cat predation
HabitatsOpen woodlands, chaparral, scrublands, desert washes, suburban parks and gardens
Life span4–7 years in the wild
Classification
  1. OrderPasseriformes
  2. FamilyFringillidae
  3. GenusSpinus
  4. SpeciesSpinus psaltria
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
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
  • Feeder placement: Offer Nyjer seed or fine sunflower chips in tube feeders to attract foraging flocks.
  • Water sources: Provide a clean shallow birdbath, as goldfinches drink and bathe daily.
  • Native plantings: Leave seed-bearing native weeds like thistles and sunflowers unpruned in autumn.
Related species
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