Lesser Goldfinch vs Evening Grosbeak

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

How to recognise a lesser goldfinch?

General appearance

The lesser goldfinch is a small songbird, about 4.5 inches long, with a wingspan of approximately 8 inches. It has a short, conical bill ideal for seed eating. Its tail is notched and relatively short. The species is notable for its bright yellow underparts, contrasting with black or olive-green upperparts. The wings and tail are dark with white wing bars and edges, giving it a distinctive appearance in flight.

Male vs female

Male lesser goldfinches typically display a glossy black cap and upper back. Regionally, their back can also appear olive-green. Females are generally more subdued, with olive-green upperparts and a less distinct cap. Both genders share the yellow underparts, but females have duller shades. During the breeding season, males are brighter with clearer contrast, while females remain consistent year-round.

Juvenile

Juvenile lesser goldfinches resemble adult females, displaying olive-green upperparts and yellowish underparts but with more muted overall tones. They lack the distinct black cap found in adult males. As they mature, male juveniles develop the characteristic coloration and markings of adult males, while females retain their more subdued appearance.

Size

3.5 - 4.3 in/0.3 - 0.4 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

Lesser goldfinch typically inhabits semi-open areas, such as open brushy country, open woods, and gardens. It is found near thickets and trees close to open weedy fields.

Additional range

It ranges from low valleys to high mountains, typically close to water in dry regions. Occasionally, they inhabit semi-open terrains or woodland edges in the tropics.

Range Map

What do lesser goldfinches like to eat?

Natural diet

The lesser goldfinch primarily consumes seeds, especially favoring those from the daisy (composite) family, such as thistle and wild sunflower. Its diet includes seeds from various weeds. Additionally, it eats flowers, buds of trees like cottonwoods, some berries, and insects, primarily small ones like aphids, especially in summer. The lesser goldfinch may also ingest salt as part of its diet.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the lesser goldfinch is attracted to small seeds, with a preference for offerings resembling its natural diet. It might be drawn to feeders that provide sunflower seeds and thistle (nyjer) seeds, which are commonly available in commercial bird seed blends and cater to its seed-centric diet.

What does a lesser goldfinch sound like?

The lesser goldfinch's vocalizations are characterized by a rapid medley of twittering notes, indicative of its typical song. Common calls of this bird include a plaintive tee-yee or cheeo sound. Its call pattern is complex, varying between falling and undulating rhythms. The calls can be further classified into different types such as chatter, chirp/chip, and whistle.

Call

Audio by Paul Marvin

/ CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Call

Audio by Paul Marvin

/ CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Song

Audio by Paul Marvin

/ CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

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Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

How to recognise an evening grosbeak?

General appearance

The Evening Grosbeak is a stocky bird with a thick, stout bill. Its coloration is primarily that of yellow and black, with the body appearing mostly yellow and wings and tail being marked with black. The bill is a pale color, often appearing nearly white.

Male vs female

Males and females display significant sexual dimorphism. Males are more brightly colored, with a vibrant yellow body, a brownish-black head, and black wings featuring striking white patches. Females, on the other hand, are less vibrant with more of a grey-brown body and white markings on the wings. Both genders share the feature of a pale, stout bill.

Juvenile

Juvenile Evening Grosbeaks appear similar to adult females, with more subdued coloration than males. As they age, they gradually acquire their adult colors, males becoming vibrant yellow and females settling into their more muted brown and white tones.

Size

6.5 - 7.1 in/1.9 - 2.6 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The evening grosbeak prefers coniferous forests in Canada and the northern United States. They thrive in cool, temperate climates amidst pines, spruces, and firs.

Additional range

During winter, they may inhabit mixed woodlands, suburban areas, and occasionally venture into the southern U.S., adapting to varied environments for food availability.

Range Map

What do evening grosbeaks like to eat?

Natural diet

The evening grosbeak primarily feeds on seeds, berries, and insects. It often consumes seeds from trees such as maple, ash, pine, and spruce, along with a variety of berries including juneberries and elderberries. This bird also eats insects like caterpillars and beetles, especially during the breeding season when protein is essential for chick development.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, evening grosbeaks commonly eat sunflower seeds, which are popular for their high fat content. They may also consume shelled peanuts and other mixed birdseed blends. Sometimes, they are attracted to feeders offering suet cakes containing seeds and nuts.

What does an evening grosbeak sound like?

The evening grosbeak, a passerine bird, is known for its distinct vocalizations. The bird's common call consists of a piercing "cleer" or "peeer," often delivered in a series. Its song is a series of short warbling notes, interspersed with its characteristic calls. However, the evening grosbeak is not known for melodiousness, but more for the assertive, unmusical sharpness and consistency of its vocal communications.

Call

Audio by Doug Hynes

/ CC BY-SA 4.0

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Lesser Goldfinch

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Evening Grosbeak

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

General appearance

The lesser goldfinch is a small songbird, about 4.5 inches long, with a wingspan of approximately 8 inches. It has a short, conical bill ideal for seed eating. Its tail is notched and relatively short. The species is notable for its bright yellow underparts, contrasting with black or olive-green upperparts. The wings and tail are dark with white wing bars and edges, giving it a distinctive appearance in flight.

Male vs female

Male lesser goldfinches typically display a glossy black cap and upper back. Regionally, their back can also appear olive-green. Females are generally more subdued, with olive-green upperparts and a less distinct cap. Both genders share the yellow underparts, but females have duller shades. During the breeding season, males are brighter with clearer contrast, while females remain consistent year-round.

Juvenile

Juvenile lesser goldfinches resemble adult females, displaying olive-green upperparts and yellowish underparts but with more muted overall tones. They lack the distinct black cap found in adult males. As they mature, male juveniles develop the characteristic coloration and markings of adult males, while females retain their more subdued appearance.

Size

3.5 - 4.3 in/0.3 - 0.4 oz

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Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

General appearance

The Evening Grosbeak is a stocky bird with a thick, stout bill. Its coloration is primarily that of yellow and black, with the body appearing mostly yellow and wings and tail being marked with black. The bill is a pale color, often appearing nearly white.

Male vs female

Males and females display significant sexual dimorphism. Males are more brightly colored, with a vibrant yellow body, a brownish-black head, and black wings featuring striking white patches. Females, on the other hand, are less vibrant with more of a grey-brown body and white markings on the wings. Both genders share the feature of a pale, stout bill.

Juvenile

Juvenile Evening Grosbeaks appear similar to adult females, with more subdued coloration than males. As they age, they gradually acquire their adult colors, males becoming vibrant yellow and females settling into their more muted brown and white tones.

Size

6.5 - 7.1 in/1.9 - 2.6 oz

There's more to learn about Evening Grosbeak

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How to tell the Lesser Goldfinch from the Evening Grosbeak

Visual differences

The Lesser Goldfinch is a small bird, about 4.5 inches long, with bright yellow underparts and black or olive-green upperparts. It has a short, conical bill and a distinctive notched tail. Conversely, the Evening Grosbeak is larger, around 6.5-7 inches, with a stocky build and a stout, pale bill. Males sport a vibrant yellow body with a dark head and striking white wing patches, while females are gray-brown. The Lesser Goldfinch's wings are dark with white bars, differing from the Grosbeak's black wings with prominent white patches.

Key differences and behavior

The Lesser Goldfinch and Evening Grosbeak exhibit distinct behavioral traits that aid in their identification. Lesser Goldfinches are small (1.6–2.4 inches long), adaptable, and often found in semi-open areas or gardens, while Evening Grosbeaks are larger (6.5–7 inches long) and thrive in coniferous forests. Lesser Goldfinches consume a varied seed diet, including daisy and sunflower seeds, and commonly visit feeders. In contrast, Evening Grosbeaks prefer seeds from trees like maple and spruce, along with berries and insects during breeding season. Breeding behaviors differ: Lesser Goldfinches engage in extended seasons with simple courtship, whereas Evening Grosbeaks perform elaborate displays and both parents feed the young. Both birds rely on feeders, yet the Grosbeak has a notable preference for sunflower seeds due to its powerful beak.