CLIPBOARD : BREEDING BIRDS: LAWRENCE’S GOLDFINCH : (Carduelis lawrencei)

Description: Wings and underparts are extensively yellow; upperparts grayish during breeding season. Males have black face and chin with yellowish rump. Juveniles are faintly streaked. Length: 4 3/4 inches.

Habitat: Dry grassy slopes, chaparral, oak and riparian woodland. Water availability plays major role in nesting site selection.

Diet: Variety of native plant seeds; few insects. Fond of salt, especially when nesting.

Displays: Courting male perches close to female, extends head and neck, and sings.

Nest: Small cup of grass, soft materials; lined with feathers and hair.

Eggs: Bluish-white, or white, unmarked. Length: 0.6 inches.

Call: Call is bell-like tink-ul or distinctive tink-oo . Song is a mixed jumble of melodious tink notes.

Notes: Lawrence’s Goldfinch is thought to be nomadic, and therefore is difficult to locate. Detected mostly by voice. Forages in flocks. Males feed females while females incubate eggs; after hatching, males continue to supply females with food for young.

Note: Map is divided into 5-kilometer squares so that Audubon Society volunteers can more easily survey areas on a regular basis.

Sources: Sea and Sage Audubon Society; “The Birder’s Handbook,” Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, Fireside Books (1988); “Field Guide to the Birds of North America,” National Geographic Society (1987); “Birds of Southern California: Status and Distribution,” Garrett and Dunn, Los Angeles Audubon Society (1981).