Tag: Spinus psaltria

Lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria).

Just in case you needed more evidence that the seasons are turning, the goldfinches are getting chummy, forming small impromptu flocks concentrated around sunflowers and other seed bearers. I will have more goldfinch photos tomorrow – more lessers, so to speak. 

Lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria).

Just in case you needed more evidence that the seasons are turning, the goldfinches are getting chummy, forming small impromptu flocks concentrated around sunflowers and other seed bearers. I will have more goldfinch photos tomorrow – more lessers, so to speak. 

Not-so-mellow yellow.

1. Purple pricklypear (Opuntia macrocentra).

2. Lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria).

3. Foothills palo verde (Parkinsonia microphylla).

4. Yellow columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha).

At the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, Arizona. Please click any photo in the set to enlarge. 

Not-so-mellow yellow.

1. Purple pricklypear (Opuntia macrocentra).

2. Lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria).

3. Foothills palo verde (Parkinsonia microphylla).

4. Yellow columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha).

At the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, Arizona. Please click any photo in the set to enlarge. 

Lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria

♂), dining on sage seeds in the gardens of the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, Phoenix, Arizona. 

Bonus etymology: The specific name psaltria is a transliteration of the Greek word ψάλτρια, meaning female harpist or music girl – a reference to the birds’ songs, which often incorporate bits of songs of other local species. 

Lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria

♂), dining on sage seeds in the gardens of the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, Phoenix, Arizona. 

Bonus etymology: The specific name psaltria is a transliteration of the Greek word ψάλτρια, meaning female harpist or music girl – a reference to the birds’ songs, which often incorporate bits of songs of other local species.