The Bird Nuts 912 Posted February 11 Looks like a Lesser Goldfinch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
von Humboldt 3 Posted February 11 Why a lesser rather than American goldfinch? not questioning just wondering Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
von Humboldt 3 Posted February 11 I have just moved to the West and I'm not familiar with the lesser goldfinches just the American goldfinch. I have examined some ID sources for lesser goldfinches and it appears their wings are not as dark and there is more of a yellowish hue to their plumage even in winter. Corrections or other identifying marks will be appreciated. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Bird Nuts 912 Posted February 11 The yellow undertail coverts and the streaking on the back rule out American. Lessers are also more greenish-yellow overall. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
millipede 69 Posted February 11 I'm not good with anything but American myself as that's all I've seen in person(that I know of) but I've spent some time TRYING to compare some of them. I often forget these little details. I've stared at some in the yard that look odd to me... and a few undertails have thrown me as the american can have a little color under there but, it's more of a brownish than yellow. With those things in mind, that bird has a pretty good yellowish wash to it underneath considering... You can look at pictures HERE of the lesser and scroll through them. You'll find an immature that is pretty close to your bird. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
