Meet the 3 Types of Goldfinches in the United States

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U.S. Goldfinch Species to Know

Goldfinches are one of the birds that people most commonly want to attract to their bird feeders and backyards. Although many people are familiar with the American goldfinch, they might not realize there are actually three goldfinch species in the United States. Here’s a little information about each of the three types of goldfinches.

American Goldfinch

Bnbbyc18 Sara Wunderlich — Male American goldfinch

This species is the most widespread of the three types of goldfinches and can be found throughout almost the entire country. The American goldfinch is so beloved, it’s the state bird of three states. It’s an extremely common feeder bird, so if you have bird feeders, you are likely familiar with this vibrant bird already.

female goldfinch — Female American goldfinch

In winter, the males molt into dull yellow plumage colors, so you might not realize they stick around all year. Also note that female American goldfinches aren’t as bright yellow as males.

These gorgeous goldfinch pictures will brighten your day.

Lesser Goldfinch

274782255 1 Rolando Garcia Bnb Bypc 2021 — The male lesser goldfinch always has a black cap, but its back might be either black or green.

Both lesser and Lawrence’s goldfinches are western species that do not normally occur in the eastern U.S. The lesser goldfinch has a larger range and is more common. In the eastern part of their range, lesser goldfinches have a black back but farther west, they have a greenish back. It is also the smallest of the three types of goldfinches, weighing only about one-third of an ounce and measuring 4 inches long.

female lesser goldfinch — Female lesser goldfinch

Like American goldfinches, lesser goldfinches mostly eat seeds and often visit bird feeders. Look for them in mixed flocks with other finches and pine siskins.

Plant a goldfinch garden with their favorite plants.

Lawrence’s Goldfinch

The Lawrence’s goldfinch is found only in the far western United States and has the most limited range of the three types of goldfinches. Males are small gray finches with a black face patch and lemon yellow belly. Females have plain grayish faces.

Lawrence’s goldfinches have an interesting migration pattern. Instead of typical north-south migration, they move more east-west, going from the coast during the breeding season and moving inland for the non-breeding season.

This goldfinch species breeds in California but winters through southern Arizona, New Mexico and northwest Mexico.

Next, learn how to tell the difference between a yellow warbler vs a goldfinch.