{"id":8466,"date":"2026-06-06T10:17:20","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T17:17:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/vernabob.com\/blog\/?p=8466"},"modified":"2026-06-06T10:17:20","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T17:17:20","slug":"goldfinches-at-the-thistle-seed-feeder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vernabob.com\/blog\/2026\/06\/06\/goldfinches-at-the-thistle-seed-feeder\/","title":{"rendered":"Goldfinches at the Thistle Seed Feeder"},"content":{"rendered":"

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These three are “Lesser Goldfinches” (Spinus psaltria), also sometimes called “American Goldfinch” in older texts but distinct from the more widespread American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis). They\u2019re a common sight Wickenburg, Arizona, especially around feeders stocked with Nyjer (thistle) seed, which is exactly what they prefer.<\/p>\n

The lower finch is a male while the others above are both females, the latter having a more greenish yellow coloring than the yellow males. All three are enjoying the seed feeders. Click on the image to enlarge.<\/p>\n

From SuperGrok<\/a>:<\/p>\n

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Habitat & Range<\/p>\n

They\u2019re year-round residents across much of the southwestern U.S., including the Sonoran Desert regions of Arizona.
\nThey thrive in open woodlands, riparian areas, weedy fields, and suburban gardens. They\u2019re especially fond of native desert plants and feeders.<\/p>\n

Behavior & Diet<\/p>\n

Nyjer specialists: They love thistle\/Nyjer seed. They\u2019re also fond of sunflower seeds, but Nyjer feeders tend to draw them in flocks while deterring larger birds.
\nSocial & vocal: They\u2019re gregarious and chatty, with a distinctive high-pitched, tinkling call that sounds almost like \u201ctsee-tsee\u201d or a watery twitter. You\u2019ll often hear them before you see them.
\nBreeding: In Arizona they can nest from spring through summer. They build small cup nests in trees\/shrubs and raise 3\u20136 young per brood.<\/p>\n

Fun Facts<\/p>\n

They\u2019re one of the few finches that can change their diet seasonally and will eat insects during breeding season for extra protein.
\nTheir bright yellow plumage comes from carotenoid pigments in their diet (seeds and some insects).
\nUnlike some migratory birds, many Lesser Goldfinches in Arizona stay put year-round, making them reliable backyard visitors.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Image taken this morning during the before breakfast walk:<\/p>\n