A friend and I traveled to Pope County on Friday to find a Lesser Goldfinch that’s been visiting a birder’s feeder for the past few days. It was a lifer for me.
Lesser Goldfinches are rare to Arkansas, although some are found within the state each year. They are typically found in the western United States (most common in California and Texas). They are smaller than an American Goldfinch, typically have a darker back that can be olive green or black depending on its location, and have a fully black crown. The American Goldfinch has a partial black crown and a bright yellow back.
The Pope County bird mingled with American Goldfinches, Juncos, House Finches and Cardinals at the feeders, while various sparrows and mourning doves were below on the ground. They scattered at various points, such as when the below Red-shouldered Hawk flew by.
Memos for Me 