Verdin
The Verdin is a very sweet little bird the same length as a Goldfinch (4.5 inches) but with a shorter wingspan (6.5 inches). The Verdin like many birds is restricted to the extreme Southwestern US. Usually solitaire, unlike the Goldfinches. He looks for insects among the twigs and leaves of plants. At our place he is often seen trying to get at the Hummingbird nectar in our "hummingbird only" feeders. He exams every square inch top to bottom side to side, but to little avail.
House Finch
Every once in a while I take a photo that looks more like a painting. This happens to be one of Christine's favorites. The House Finch is common to all lower 48 states and Mexico. Unlike the Eastern US, it is easy to distinguish from it's cousin the Purple Finch in the Southwest -- because we have no Purple Finches in the Southwest. Typically, you'll find at least 15 to 20 year round on our property at any given time.
Female Lesser Goldfinch
Male Lesser Goldfinch
The Lesser Goldfinch is a bit smaller than the American Goldfinch and is restricted to the Southwestern US, whereas the American Goldfinch is found throughout all of the continental US. The Lesser Goldfinch has a green back whereas the American Goldfinch has a yellow back. Also, the black on the head extends to the crown almost as if wearing a "cap." Goldfinches love our thistle feeders. It is not unusual to count 40 of them at any time.
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