Eurasian Siskin
Least ConcernSpinus spinus
Visual Identification
Eurasian Siskin
Appearance
The Eurasian Siskin is a small, lively finch with distinctive yellow-green plumage. Males feature bright yellow patches on their wings and tails, contrasting with a black cap and chin. Their bodies are streaked with dark markings on a greenish-yellow background.
Females are slightly smaller and more subdued, with an overall greener appearance and heavier streaking. They lack the black cap of males but retain the yellow wing bars. Juveniles resemble females but with even heavier streaking.
The Siskin is most often confused with the Greenfinch, which is about 50% larger.
Size
Length
11cm to 12.5cm
Wingspan
20cm to 23cm
Weight
10g to 18g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Eurasian Siskins inhabit coniferous and mixed forests across Europe and Asia, from the British Isles to Japan. They show a particular affinity for spruce, pine, fir woodlands, and areas with birch and alder trees.
During winter, many birds move southward or to lower elevations. In the UK, they become more widespread, frequenting gardens and parks in search of food. Some populations in southern Europe are largely sedentary.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Eurasian Siskins primarily feed on small seeds, particularly those of alder, birch, and conifer trees. They will sometimes take some fruit and insects.
They use their fine, pointed beaks to extract seeds from cones and catkins. In gardens, they readily visit feeders, showing a preference for niger seeds and sunflower hearts.
Behaviour
Eurasian Siskins are highly acrobatic, often seen hanging upside down on tree branches or seed heads while foraging. They are social birds, typically found in small flocks, especially outside the breeding season.
During courtship, males perform elaborate flight displays, fluttering with spread wings and tails to attract females.
Vocalisation
Eurasian Siskins are known for their loud, cheerful, twittering calls. Their song is a rapid series of trills and warbles, often delivered in flight. The most common call is a distinctive 'tilu' or 'tluee', frequently repeated.
When in flocks, they produce a constant chatter of soft 'tswee' notes. They sing in flight or from a prominent perch so that their voice will carry.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Eurasian Siskins typically begins in April. Males attract females with melodious songs and aerial displays. Pairs form monogamous bonds for the breeding season.
Nests are usually built high in coniferous trees, well-concealed among the branches. The female constructs a small cup-shaped nest using twigs, moss, and lichen, lined with feathers and plant down.
The female lays 3-5 pale blue eggs with reddish-brown spots. Incubation lasts about 12-14 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 13-15 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Lifespan
The Eurasian Siskin typically lives for 2 to 3 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 13.5 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
While currently listed as Least Concern, Eurasian Siskins face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting coniferous forests and promoting sustainable forestry practices. In some areas, winter feeding in gardens helps support populations during harsh weather.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Siskins in coniferous forests or mixed woodlands
- Listen for their distinctive twittering calls and chattering song
- Watch for their acrobatic feeding behaviour on alder and birch trees
- In the UK, check garden feeders during the winter months
- Observe flocking behaviour with other finch species
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Siskin
Family:
FringillidaePredators
Did You Know?
- Eurasian Siskins can open their beaks wider than most finches, allowing them to extract seeds from cones more efficiently.
- Their population can fluctuate dramatically from year to year, depending on seed availability.
- In some European countries, Siskins were once popular as caged birds due to their melodious songs.
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References
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website: BirdLife International. 2017. Spinus spinus (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22720354A111126041.
View source - 4
report, 2015: EBCC
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source