Back to Tucson and The Azure Gate

Returning to The Azure Gate B&B, here in Tucson, we are always welcomed by our year round guests, the lesser goldfinches. We have between 40 and 60 on any given day. The male, as seen in the top photo, although black capped is a little different than his cousin, the American Goldfinch who has a black forehead. The female, (bottom photo) has a green back with a grayer head than the American Goldfinch. The lesser goldfinch is a little smaller and just as sweet -- maybe more so. These little guys are only found in the Southwest (and Mexico), whereas the American Goldfinch is found throughout the US. They love their thistle food, and make several trips to the water bowl every hour.