Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

Least ConcernCommonSeedsShrublandCup nestTiny · 9 g

About the Lesser Goldfinch

The lesser goldfinch is a small finch in the genus Spinus native to the Americas.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

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This species is not only the smallest North American Spinus finch, it may be the smallest true finch in the world. Some sources list more subtropical Spinus species as slightly smaller on average, including the Andean siskin (Spinus spinescens). This species ranges from 9 to 12 cm (3.5 to 4.7 in) in length and can weigh from 8 to 11.5 g (0.28 to 0.41 oz). Among standard measurements, the wing chord is 5.5 to 7 cm (2.2 to 2.8 in), the tail is 3.9 to 4.7 cm (1.5 to 1.9 in), the bill is 0.9 to 1.1 cm (0.35 to 0.43 in) and the tarsus is 1.1 to 1.2 cm (0.43 to 0.47 in).

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Lesser Goldfinch sounds like

Recording: Rosa Elena Albornoz · CC0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: JUAN ANTONIO ALONSO DE JUAN · CC BY 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where it lives

Regular range

When to see it

Peak activity in May · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Side by side: American Goldfinch vs Lesser Goldfinch · Lesser Goldfinch vs Pine Siskin · Eurasian Siskin vs Lesser Goldfinch · Hooded Siskin vs Lesser Goldfinch

Learn the Lesser Goldfinch for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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