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Siskin

 

 

When we notice a group of siskins taking off, and also in flight, there is a constant up-down movement, a billowing. This is the flight image of siskins.

 

The winter menu contains birch, alder and black alder seeds, and in these trees we meet yellowhammers too. Often they hang in fine twigs similar to tits, back downwards. Birdfeeders are also visited when the group finds a suitable one.

 

The back plumage of siskins is greenish, with narrow black stripes. On the black wings there are two yellowish green bands. The head and under-chin of the male are black and they are more colourful. The head and under-chin of the female are grey, the black patch is lacking and the sides more densely striped. Young birds and females are similar but in the young birds’ plumage we see less of yellow colour. Beak colour is reddish grey, legs brown. Pay attention to the tail – it is of the shorter kind and with a deep incision.

 

Siskins are rather like greenfinches but smaller, with a smaller beak and on the top of the yellowhammers’ head is a darker patch. The length is over ten centimetres and weight up to fifteen grams.

 

Siskins at birdfeeder

 

Arne’s photo shows our birdfeeder from five years ago that was visited by siskin flocks.

 

Siskin observations: LINK