ExploreBirds

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

The Lesser Goldfinch is a small, colorful bird that loves to sing. With its bright yellow body and black cap, it can often be seen flitting around in gardens and parks, bringing joy to everyone who spots it.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Lesser Goldfinch is a small songbird, with males sporting a glossy black cap, bright yellow underparts, and black wings adorned with white patches. Females and juveniles are a more subdued olive-yellow. Its distinct black cap sets males apart from other goldfinches.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyFringillidaeGenusSpinus
Lesser Goldfinch
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Lesser Goldfinch

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Males perform a stunning 'butterfly flight' display while singing to attract a mate!

Their tiny nests sometimes use sticky spider silk for strength!

They can even drink water from dew drops, a tiny drink on leaves!

Unlike many birds, parents feed their babies a special 'seed porridge' for growth!

Special abilities

Ability

Seed Sniper

Lesser Goldfinch can precisely extract tiny seeds from plant heads because of its small, conical beak.

Ability

Acrobat Forager

Lesser Goldfinch can hang upside down to reach difficult seeds, a trick that helps them access more food.

Ability

Song Weaver

Lesser Goldfinch has a complex song that often includes mimicry of other bird calls, enriching its musical repertoire.

Ability

Late Nest Builder

Lesser Goldfinch breeds later in the summer, helping them time nesting with the abundance of mature thistle seeds.

Measurements & details

Length
9.5-11.5 cm
Wingspan
16-19 cm
Weight
0.008-0.011 kg
Lifespan
4-7 years
Top Speed
45 km/h
Clutch Size
3-6
Incubation
12-13 days

Diet & Feeding

These small birds primarily feast on tiny seeds from various plants and weeds.

Age differences: Young are fed a regurgitated 'seed porridge' by parents.

Primary Foods

  • thistle seeds
  • sunflower seeds
  • dandelion seeds
  • wild lettuce seeds
  • sycamore seeds

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Lesser Goldfinch?

9.5-11.5 cm

What is Lesser Goldfinch's wingspan?

16-19 cm

How much does Lesser Goldfinch weigh?

0.008-0.011 kg

How long does Lesser Goldfinch live?

4-7 years

How fast can Lesser Goldfinch move?

45 km/h

What does Lesser Goldfinch eat?

These small birds primarily feast on tiny seeds from various plants and weeds.

Where is Lesser Goldfinch usually found?

Urban areas

How does Lesser Goldfinch hunt?

Foraging

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Where to spot

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