Pine Siskin
Spinus pinus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Pine Siskin is a small, streaky finch with a sharp, pointed bill.
Its brown-streaked body is accented by yellow edges on the wings and tail, most visible in flight. The bird has a short, notched tail and a somewhat flattened head profile.
Both sexes look similar, with males having slightly more yellow in their plumage. Juveniles resemble adults but may have less distinct markings and duller coloration overall.
Size
Length
11cm to 14cm
Wingspan
18cm to 22cm
Weight
12g to 18g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Yellow
Secondary Colour
White
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Brown
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Pine Siskins inhabit coniferous and mixed forests across North America, from Alaska to the southern United States. They are also found in parts of Mexico and Guatemala. Their range extends into the boreal forests of Canada and high-elevation areas in the western mountains.
In winter, they may irrupt southward in large numbers, appearing in deciduous woodlands, suburban areas, and even urban parks across the United States and Canada.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 4,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Pine Siskin. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Pine Siskins display remarkable agility, particularly in their acrobatic feeding behaviours. Their ability to hang upside down on conifer cones and perform elaborate courtship flights demonstrates high manoeuvrability and aerial prowess.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As small finches, Pine Siskins have limited strength relative to larger birds. However, their specialised bills allow them to extract seeds from tightly closed pine cones, indicating some degree of functional strength for their size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Pine Siskins show exceptional adaptability. They can survive in temperatures as low as -70°F, adjust their range during irruptive years, and thrive in various habitats from sea level to 4,000 metres. Their ability to exploit different food sources also highlights their adaptiveness.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While not typically aggressive, Pine Siskins form large, noisy flocks and may exhibit competitive behaviour at feeding sites. Their social nature suggests a moderate level of assertiveness rather than overt aggression.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Pine Siskins demonstrate considerable endurance, particularly during migration and winter survival. Their ability to increase metabolic rates in extreme cold, coupled with their capacity for long-distance irruptive movements, indicates strong endurance for a small bird species.
Diet
Pine Siskins primarily feed on seeds, especially those from conifers, alders, and birches. They also consume buds, tree flowers, and occasionally insects.
Their specialized bill allows them to extract seeds from tightly closed pine cones, giving them an advantage in coniferous habitats.
Behaviour
Pine Siskins are highly social, often seen in large, noisy flocks. They exhibit acrobatic feeding behaviors, hanging upside down on conifer cones or seed heads to extract seeds.
During the breeding season, males perform elaborate courtship flights, making wide circles while singing continuously.
Vocalisation
Pine Siskins are known for their high-pitched, buzzy calls, often described as a prolonged 'zreeee' or 'zree-e-e-e'.
Their song is a mix of warbles, twitters, and long buzzy notes, sometimes incorporating mimicry of other bird species. In flight, they make a distinctive 'tee-tee-tee' sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Pine Siskins typically breed from April to August, with timing varying based on location and food availability. Males court females with aerial displays and feeding rituals, often presenting food as part of the pair bonding process.
Nests are built high in coniferous trees, usually on a horizontal branch. The female constructs a cup-shaped nest using twigs, grass, and plant fibers, lined with soft materials like fur or feathers.
The female lays 3-4 pale blue-green eggs with brown spots. Incubation lasts about 13 days, with the female incubating while the male brings food. Nestlings fledge after 13-17 days but may depend on parents for several weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Pine Siskins face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change. They are also susceptible to salmonellosis outbreaks at bird feeders, highlighting the importance of feeder hygiene and responsible bird feeding practices.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Pine Siskins in coniferous forests or mixed woodlands
- Listen for their distinctive, buzzy 'zreeee' call
- Check bird feeders, especially those offering nyjer or thistle seeds
- Observe their rapid, undulating flight pattern
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Pine Siskins are preyed upon by various raptors, including Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, and Merlins. Small mammals like squirrels and chipmunks may also raid nests for eggs or nestlings.
Did You Know?
- Pine Siskins can survive in temperatures as low as -70°F (-57°C) by increasing their metabolic rates.
- They have a specialized pouch in their esophagus for storing seeds, allowing them to gather food quickly.
- Pine Siskins can form massive flocks during irruptive years, with groups numbering in the thousands.
Similar Birds
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Spinus pinus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22720359A94666039.
View source - 3
report, 2007: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven
- 2
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source - 4
report, 2023: BBL: Longevity Records Of North American Birds. Version 2023.1
View source
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