Lawrence's goldfinch

Lawrence's goldfinch is a small songbird of erratic distribution that breeds in California and Baja California and winters in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

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Distribution

Region

Southwestern North America

Typical Environment

Breeds locally in California’s Coast Ranges, Central Valley margins, and Sierra Nevada foothills, and in northern Baja California. In winter it disperses into the deserts and foothills of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, following seed availability. Prefers open oak woodlands, chaparral edges, riparian corridors, and weedy fields near reliable water. Flocks gather at ponds, streams, and stock tanks, especially during dry periods. Nesting usually occurs in trees such as oaks and sycamores close to water.

Altitude Range

0–1800 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size11–12 cm

Wing Span20–23 cm

Male Weight0.011 kg

Female Weight0.01 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Lawrence's goldfinch is a small, grayish goldfinch with bright yellow wing and tail flashes and a male’s distinctive black face. It breeds patchily in California and Baja California and winters irregularly across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, often tracking good seed crops. Flocks concentrate near water and can appear in large numbers at stock ponds and riparian areas. Their movements are notably erratic from year to year.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

social and nomadic

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with bounding, undulating flight

Social Behavior

Often forms loose flocks outside the breeding season, especially around water and abundant seed sources. Pairs are monogamous, and small semi-colonial nesting groups may occur where habitat is suitable. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in trees or tall shrubs, frequently near riparian zones.

Migratory Pattern

Seasonal migrant

Song Description

Song is a soft, tinkling series of bell-like notes and metallic trills, delivered from perches or in display flights. Calls include thin, ringing ‘tink’ notes and rapid chittering given in flight. Overall vocalizations are light, musical, and delicate.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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