Like their cousin the American Goldfinch, Lesser Goldfinches will delay breeding until the greatest number of thistle, dandelion and other composite flowers are seeding.
The Lesser Goldfinch is believed to be monogamous with its mate during the breeding season and will bring food to the nest for her while she incubates their eggs.
Some known predators of the Lesser Goldfinch include the Sharp-shinned Hawk, American Kestrel, Northern Pygmy-Owl, and Loggerhead Shrike.
The oldest banded Lesser Goldfinch recaptured in the wild had lived 5 years and 8 months.