Lesser Goldfinch

It is so satisfying and soothing when hearing the pleasant calls of goldfinches announcing their arrival in the yard. I love the distinct, sweet calls and the more gentle demeanor of the goldfinches we are seeing now in Aldea. The Lesser Goldfinches particularly seem to be in abundance this winter along with Pine Siskins.

There are usually several of the less exuberantly colored females clinging to the thistle seed feeder at various times throughout the day. The more brightly colored males with the black cap seem to be in short supply this winter and they have been very skittish tending to hide more alone in our Rocky Mountain Juniper tree. 

There is one one male at times but I have not been quick enough with my camera to snap a few frames. I will add a photo as soon as I capture an image suitable for posting.

In addition to seeing Lesser Goldfinches at the thistle feeder, we are observing them dining on the dried native plant seeds and seed pods as shown in one of the photos.

Aldea is located at the very northern part of the Lesser Goldfinches year round range. They move throughout the rest of northern New Mexico and into Colorado in the summer. Since we just recently put up a thistle feeder, it will be interesting to see if they remain here all year long.

It is also interesting to note that a group of goldfinches has several collective nouns, including a “007”, “charm”, “rush”, “treasury”, and “vein” of goldfinches. My personal favorite is “A Treasury of Goldfinches” as they are a golden, valued treasure!

Click on photos to enlarge.