Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

Here is another bird that we can kind at Debs Park year-round, but this month they are constantly being heard. The Lesser Goldfinch, Spinus psaltria is currently calling its life away (even while writing this article). Their call consists of an elongated, medium pitch “piuuu.” Their song however, is not that simple, and is in fact a combination of twittering notes, including short imitations of the voices of other birds. Lesser Goldfinches are primarily seed eaters, especially of our plants of the sunflower family, such as our California native plant, Bush Sunflower, Encelia californica.  They will also eat some insects in the summer time, especially aphids. When visiting our park, listen for the “piuuu” call especially when parking in the parking lot. You will often find them perched on our yucca or trees with no leaves.