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Lesser Goldfinches Are Growing For Bird Photography Weekly

Lesser Goldfinch Chicks Waiting For Breakfast all photos by Larry Jordan

OK, these Lesser Goldfinch chicks are now about 9 days old.  They are beginning to get their colors but you can see they still have some down sticking out of their heads (is that cute or what?).

Hey Dad, we’re gettin’ kinda hungry here…where’s breakfast?

I can hear Dad coming…get ready

Feed me, feed me first Dad!

At the end of the feeding frenzy (and these feedings only last for 10 to 20 seconds) I was able to confirm that there are indeed four chicks in this brood.

These Lesser Goldfinch chicks should fledge around June 25th.  I hope I can get some photos of their first flights.  According to Cornell Lab, the chicks will perch near the nest for several days after fledging and that would be my best chance to observe this behavior.  Wish me luck!

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UPDATE JUNE 23rd: When I went to work this morning there were chicks in the nest and when I came home they were gone.  Goods news: 4 Lesser Goldfinches fledged.  Bad news: I missed it 🙁

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • gwendolen June 22, 2009, 1:21 am

    I hope you catch them, Larry. Keep the camera ready.

  • Mick June 22, 2009, 2:57 am

    Those chicks are so cute and you are lucky to be able to watch them grow – and thanks for sharing with us all! I hope you can photograph the next stage too.

  • Thomas June 22, 2009, 3:17 am

    They look healthy and lively Larry, Nice work on these cute little fellows

  • Larry June 22, 2009, 11:23 am

    @Gwen thanks. Will do.

    @Mick I am having a blast watching them whenever I get the chance

    @Thomas thanks for the kind words

  • bob k June 22, 2009, 7:01 pm

    Great job of documenting the growth of the chicks, Larry. Please continue to keep us updated.

  • Wren June 25, 2009, 4:22 pm

    OMG, they are beyond cute – and of course they fledged while you were away and unable to watch. Their mothers teach them that the minute they hatch.

  • Raul roa June 7, 2013, 12:36 pm

    Can someone tell me how many days from hatching to fledgling does it take for the lesser goldfinch? I had some tiny ones 6 days ago and now they Are gone. Please email me roaemail@gmail.com. Thanks

  • Larry June 9, 2013, 10:46 am

    The incubation is 12 or 13 days then it is most likely another two weeks before they fledge. The young also usually hang out at the nest for a few days. Birds have so many predators it sometimes amazes me that so many survive.