Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)
Finches
Common
Year-Round
Lesser Goldfinch, female - CSU San Bernardino
© Tom Benson
Lesser Goldfinch, male - Desert Center, CA
© Brad Singer
The Lesser Goldfinch is a common year-round, breeding resident on campus. They are usually seen in medium to large-sized flocks, except during the breeding season. It is a common breeding resident in southern California.
High Count: 100, Average Count: 10-20
Adult male Lesser Goldfinches have an olive green back, yellow underparts, and a black cap, wings, and tail (the latter two with white spots). Females and juveniles are basically a duller version of the adult male but without a black cap.