Lesser Goldfinch

The lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) is a very small songbird in the finch family Fringillidae. This petite species is not only the smallest North American Spinus finch, it may be the smallest true finch in the world.

This American goldfinch ranges from the southwestern United States (near the coast, as far north as extreme southwestern Washington) to Venezuela and Peru. It migrates from the colder parts of its U.S. range. It utilizes almost any habitat with trees or shrubs except for dense forest, and is common and conspicuous in many areas, often coming near houses.

It feeds mostly on tree buds and weed seeds.