Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)

Identification & Behavior: ~11 cm (4.3 in). The male Lesser Goldfinch has black upperparts with white on scapular feathers. The underparts are yellow.  The female is yellow-olive also with white on the scapular feathers. Both sexes have a median white band along the length of the wing. The bill is conical and pointy. It favors open habitats and also agricultural fields. The male’s plumage is unmistakable but see Yellow-bellied Siskin. The female is similar to a female Saffron Siskin.

Status: The Lesser Goldfinch is uncommon in scrub and edges of deciduous forest in northwest Peru at elevations ranging from the lowlands to 2800 m along the west slope of the Andes. It also occurs in Co and Ec.

Name in Spanish: Jilguero Menor

Sub-species: Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria colombiana), Lafresnaye, 1843.

Meaning of Name: Spinus: Gr. Spinos= unidentified bird mentioned in ancient Greek writing, usually treated as a type of finch.  psaltria: Gr. Psallō=  to sing, to play the lyre, psaltri= singer.

Formerly known as Astragalinus psaltria (2018).

See more of the Family Fringillidae