Male Lesser Goldfinch

J always gives me a bad time and asks how such beautiful birds can be given the naming distinction of "Lesser." I just laugh and start naming all the birds that have Lesser in their names.

...Lesser Scaup, Lesser Yellowlegs, Lesser Prairie-Chicken, Lesser Nighthawk, Lesser Sand-Plover, Lesser Black-Backed Gull...

It usually has something to do with a feature compared to the same taxonomy or species. The American Goldfinch has more black features on its head and body, the Lesser Goldfinch does not.  

You can look it up!