6 replies to this topic

[NatureLady]

Gilbert, AZ

[PoorMatty]

Lesser Goldfinch.

[Cavan Wood]

PoorMatty:

Lesser Goldfinch.

Is it lesser because of the yellowish tinge on the undertail and the dark tail tip?

[PoorMatty]

I feel like it's gotten to be kind of a gestalt thing for me, but I think along with the things you said, the one thing I always tend to notice is that bill is always noticeably bigger looking in Lesser.  American has a smaller, cuter-looking bill.

[Cavan Wood]

Thanks.  Yeah, I think I see what you mean by the bill.  It almost has a bulldog face.

[PoorMatty]

Yeah!  Way finchier-looking bill than American.

[ColoTomo]

Cavan Wood:

PoorMatty:

Lesser Goldfinch.

Is it lesser because of the yellowish tinge on the undertail and the dark tail tip?

Scott,

Between you and me, the yellow undertail coverts are one of my favorite field marks for Lesser Goldfinch.  Americans & Lessers like to come in at the same time to my thistle feeders in the summer.  They like to play wife swap- Male American comes in w/ Female Lesser (and vice versa) with the other partners not to be found.  I can usually see the back of one and the bottom side of the other, giving away the I.D.