Location of Nesting You don't have to worry about having to distinguish between these two bird species because their ranges don't truly overlap.
To be certain of the kind of nest you're looking for, you may want to investigate how to distinguish them from other yellow-and black birds that may be in the vicinity.
The American Goldfinch Although you can locate American goldfinch (Spinus tristis) almost anyplace in the country, they are year-round residents of the northern half of the country
and are found in the Dakotas and northern parts of Minnesota during breeding season. Therefore, it's unlikely that you'll find goldfinch nests if you're in the southern half of the US.
smaller version of the goldfinch In its nesting territory in the United States, the Lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) is even more elusive.
These birds are year-round residents of Mexico and can be seen in the southwestern states of the United States during their breeding season. These birds breed for a large portion of the year, from early spring to mid-autumn.
Materials for Nesting Depending on the type of bird, nest construction, materials, and shapes can differ greatly. Using plant fibers, spider silk, and rootlets, the American goldfinch constructs a cup-shaped nest that is fastened to the branches.
It's interesting to note that the birds weave these nests so skillfully and firmly that they can hold water! Typically, they measure two inches deep and three inches wide.