Spinus pinus
Least Concern
Hailing from the vast forests of North America, the Pine Siskin is a small, lively songbird known for its sharp beak and distinctive yellow-edged wings. Often found flocking in mixed groups, this unpredictable traveller is admired for its adaptability, surviving in various climates and elevations. Despite its modest size, the Pine Siskin leaves a lasting impression with its melodic twittering sounds and its relentless pursuit of seeds and insects.
Males and females have similar plumage
Brown
Brown
Yellow, Black
Yellow, Black
Black
Black
Short and sharp
Grey
Grey
Pinkish Brown
Pinkish Brown
Streaked body, yellow-edged wings and tail
Less yellow, more streaked
Forked and yellow-edged
Forked and less yellow-edged
11cm to 14cm
Length
18cm to 22cm
Wingspan
12g to 18g
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Pine Siskin perching in a pine tree
Close up of a Pine Siskin at a bird feeder
Pine Siskin perching on a seed head
Rapid, twittering sounds
High pitched 'twee-twee-twee' and a repeated 'zreeet'
Harsh 'zreeet' sound
Active during the day, feeding mainly in the morning and evening
Flocks in winter, territorial during breeding season
Defends nesting territories aggressively
Variable, moves southward in winter
Usually in mixed flocks outside of breeding season
Seeds, Insects
Forages in trees, bushes and on the ground
Throughout the day
Gleaning
Diet changes with season and food availability
Needs access to sources of calcium during breeding season
In trees, usually evergreens
Small, compact cup of twigs, rootlets and grasses
Late spring to early summer
One to two
Pale blue with fine, dark marks
Approximately 1.5cm x 2cm
3-5 eggs
About 13 days
Approximately 2-3 weeks
Both parents feed and care for chicks
North America, especially the northern parts and mountains
Forests, especially coniferous and mixed woodlands
Sea level to alpine
Variable, moves southward in winter
Forest, Mountain
Temperate, Subarctic
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Resident or Present
2
9
5 year(s)
1 year(s)
1 year(s)
Monogamous, returns to same nesting site each year
Little known
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss, climate change
Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Population considered stable die to large population size, however long-term decline due to habitat loss and climate change
Other names:
Pine Finch, American Siskin
Family:
FringillidaePopulation size:
22,000,000
Population trend:
Stable
Conservation status:
Least Concern
IUCN Red List
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