Lawrence’s Goldfinch

Identification

Lawrence's goldfinch is a small finch, measuring about 4.75 inches (12.1 cm) and weighing approximately 0.4 oz (11 g)—slightly larger than a lesser goldfinch but smaller than an American goldfinch. Both sexes are predominantly gray with notably stubbier bills than other goldfinches, colored pink to grayish flesh-tone. The most distinctive features are the yellow rump, paired yellowish wing-bars, yellow edges on flight feathers, and a black tail crossed by a white band. Males are paler overall with black caps and faces and brighter yellow areas, while females are browner with less and duller yellow coloration and no black markings. Juveniles resemble females but are even duller with faint streaks on the underparts. Plumage brightens after spring molt and dulls in winter.

The bird's vocalizations are highly distinctive and diagnostic. The flight call—a high, clear "ti-too" or "tink-ul" reminiscent of glass wind-chimes—is particularly useful for identification. Other calls include a nasal "too-err" and a sharp, high "PIti." Males sing a high-pitched, continuous song with limited frequency range, incorporating wind-chime notes and imitations of other species' calls, particularly during breeding season and winter months.