Pine Siskin

Least Concern

Spinus pinus

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A feisty finch with a sharp, buzzy call, often spotted in flocks raiding backyard feeders across North America and beyond.

Visual Identification

Pine Siskin

Pine Siskin

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

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Resident
Breeding

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85
Strength 30
Adaptability 90
Aggressiveness 40
Endurance 75

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 3 - 5 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 9 years [1]
0
3
6
8
11

years

The Pine Siskin typically lives for 3 to 5 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 9 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [2]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

46,000,000 mature individuals [3]

Global Population Trend

Stable[4]

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

Other names:

Pine Finch

Family:

Fringillidae

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?

  1. Pine Siskins can survive in temperatures as low as -70°F (-57°C) by increasing their metabolic rates.
  2. They have a specialized pouch in their esophagus for storing seeds, allowing them to gather food quickly.
  3. Pine Siskins can form massive flocks during irruptive years, with groups numbering in the thousands.

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References

  1. 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2016. Spinus pinus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22720359A94666039.

    View source
  2. 4

    report, 2007: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven

  3. 3

    website, 2022: Partners in Flight

    View source
  4. 1

    report, 2023: BBL: Longevity Records Of North American Birds. Version 2023.1

    View source