How to Attract Lesser Goldfinches
Lesser goldfinches are tiny western finches, bright yellow below with a dark back and white wing patches. They're common in towns, gardens, and parks across the Southwest and along the Pacific Coast.
What they eat
Nyjer and sunflower hearts are their favorites. A finch feeder lets a small flock feed together.
The tiny black seed that goldfinches go crazy for. Use it in a finch feeder with small ports.
Check price on Amazon for Wagner's Nyjer Seed (opens Amazon)Built for tiny Nyjer seed and the goldfinches that love it, with the same squirrel-stopping shroud as the rest of the line.
Check price on Amazon for Brome Squirrel Buster Nyjer Feeder (opens Amazon)Grow seed heads
Sunflowers, coneflowers, and native wildflowers left to go to seed feed lesser goldfinches through fall.
Add water
They drink often in hot, dry weather. A bird bath with moving water draws them in.
Birds notice moving water from far away. This floating solar pump turns any bird bath into a small fountain in spring and summer, with no wiring.
Check price on Amazon for AISITIN 2.5W Solar Bird Bath Fountain Pump (opens Amazon)Frequently asked questions
Where do lesser goldfinches live?
Across the Southwest and the Pacific Coast, from Oregon and Colorado south into Mexico.
How do I tell lesser from American goldfinches?
Male lesser goldfinches have dark backs. Male American goldfinches are yellow on the back in summer.
Do lesser goldfinches eat Nyjer?
Yes. Nyjer and sunflower hearts are their top feeder foods.
Not sure which feeder fits your yard?
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