General Description: Lesser Goldfinches (Carduelis psaltria) are small, sexually dimorphic finches. In adult males, all of the underparts are yellow, the wings are black with white wingbars, the entire top of the head is black, and the back is yellow-green. There is white in the tail feathers. Females are duller overall and lack the black cap. During winter, males resemble females and everyone is a bit browner.

Taxonomy: Passeriformes, Fringillidae, Carduelinae.

Favored Habitat: Brushy places with thistle, which is their favored food.

Where to Find: There is no consistent place to see Lesser Goldfinches around Las Vegas. They are everywhere, so you just have to be lucky. Lesser Goldfinch are year-round residents around Las Vegas.

Comments: Note that the breeding male's back is yellow-green and he has a full black cap. In American Goldfinches, the breeding male's back is bright yellow, and the black on his head is restricted to the forehead. In addition, in Lesser Goldfinches the white wingbars are less prominent, the yellow throat contrasts with a more olive cheek and back, and the underside of the tail is yellow.

Taxonomy: Formerly Carduelis psaltria.