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Carduelis psaltria
"Males are easily recognized by their bright yellow underparts and big white patches in the tail (outer rectrices) and on the wings (the base of the primaries). At 4–4.5 inches (10–11 cm) long and about 0.3 oz (9.5 g) in weight, it is the smallest North American Carduelis species. There is a slight NW-SE cline in size, with the largest birds from Mexico and south being up to one-fifth larger than the smallest from the extreme NW of its range; this effect is more pronounced in females. There is also considerable variation in the amount of black on head and back in males, and thus three subspecies have been proposed. But this variation too seem to be simple and clinal changes in allele frequency, and thus the "subspecies" might be better considered morphs or geographical forms." - Wikipedia
In mixed chaparral area of Lake Hodges. "It utilizes almost any habitat with trees or shrubs except for dense forest, and is common and conspicuous in many areas, often coming near houses. It is common at feeders in the Southwest United States and will come almost anywhere with thistle sock feeders." - Wikipedia
"The Lesser Goldfinch often occurs in flocks or at least loose associations. Flocks of at least six birds will often be seen at feeders. It feeds mostly on tree buds and weed seeds; geophagy has been observed in this species." - Wikipedia
Spotted on Mar 1, 2012
Submitted on Mar 3, 2012
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