Carduelis
psaltria
(Lesser Goldfinch)
Physical
Description:
3 1/2-4"
(9-10 cm). Black or green back, wings, and tail; three white, v-shaped bars
on back, white patch on lower wing. Bright yellow underparts. Females and immatures
have duller yellow below.
Similar Species- American Goldfinch Lawrence's Goldfinch
Song:
Calls a falling teee; song
is a jumble of high-pitched twittering notes sometimes including songs of neighboring
species.
Distribution:
Resident
from southwestern Washington, western Oregon, northeastern California, northern
Nevada, northern Utah, and northern Colorado, south to northwestern Oklahoma,
north-central and central Texas, Mexico, and northern South America. Mainly
migratory in Rocky Mountain region.
Habitat:
Found, in areas
where water is available, in partly-open situations with scattered trees, and
in woodland edges, second growth, open fields, pastures, and around human habitation.
Diet:
Thistle and other seeds comprise
about 96% of diet. May also take a few insects during breeding season.
Ecology:
Usually nests 0.6-9
m above ground in dense foliage in tree or shrub, often near water. Usually
forages on or near ground. Frequently forages in flocks. Species may form loose
winter flocks
of 20-30 birds that may
also include other species of goldfinches and passerines. Lesser Goldfinch is
an uncommon breeder in Idaho.
Reproduction:
Female incubates 3-6 eggs (usually 4-5),
for 12 days. Nestlings are altricial and downy, and are tended
by both parents. Breeding pairs may stay together all winter.
Conservation:
Element
Code:
ABPBY06090
Status:
Protected
nongame species
Global
Rank:
G5
State
Rank:
S1,NTMB
National
Rank:
N5
Important
State References:
Stephens, D.A.,
C. Webb, and C.H. Trost. 1990. First report of nesting lesser goldfinch in Idaho.
Western Birds 21(1): 33-34.