looduskalender.ee

Siskins

 

 

The image of a siskin group in flight is ”billowing”, a continuous up and downwards movement. Their winter numbers vary widely over the years but they are there.

 

Birch, alder and black alder seeds are on the winter menu. Siskins often hang on thin broadleaf tree twigs, back downwards, similar to tits. In March when spruce seeds begin to spill out they move to spruce stands where they also stay for the nesting period. Pine seeds also go into the food list, and during the nesting period of course insects.

 

Narrow black streaks are visible in the greenish back plumage of siskins. On the black wings there are a couple of yellowish-green bands. Length is just a little more than 10 centimetres and the weight about 10-15 grams.

 

The head and throat of the male are black, those of the female grey. The sides are clearly striped. Beak is pinkish-grey, eye iris and legs brown, tail short and with a deep incision.

 

Siskin observations: LINK