[EBB Sightings] Lesser vs. American Goldfinch ID

I agree with the others that have mentioned ways to distinguish these two species.

My top three decisions for IDing these two species apart when the bill is gray/dark:

1. Vocalizations

2. ONLY the LESSER has obvious white wing spots when flying (This field mark works for all age classes of LESSER, AMERICAN, and LAWRENCE's.)

3. The vent in SOME juvenile LESSER is yellow (and in all adult LESSER). The vent color in all age classes of AMERICAN is never yellow; it is white.



Daniel Edelstein

Ellison Bay, WI

&

Novato, CA (Bay Area)


http://www.warblerwatch.com

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