Siskin
Spinus spinus
The Siskin is a small, energetic finch that can be seen in Britain, particularly during the winter months, often in coniferous woodlands and gardens with seed feeders. It is a migratory species, with some birds breeding in the north and west of the country, while others visit from Europe during the winter.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Siskin in the field.
The Siskin can be identified by its distinctive yellow and black plumage, with a black cap and yellow wing bars, as well as its small size and agile flight. Its bright yellow rump and white wing bars are also key features to look out for.
The Siskin is smaller than a Starling, measuring around 11-12 cm in length, and is slightly larger than a Blue Tit.
The male Siskin has a bright yellow plumage with a black cap, white cheeks, and a black throat patch, with yellow wing bars and a yellow rump, with some variation in colour intensity depending on the season.
The female Siskin has a similar plumage to the male, but with a more subdued colouration, featuring a greenish-yellow tint to the feathers and a less pronounced black cap.
The Siskin's call is a sharp, metallic "tin-tin-tin" or "zi-zi-zi" sound, often repeated in a series, while its song is a melodic, warbling phrase.
Siskins are social birds that often feed in flocks, flitting between trees and seed feeders in search of seeds, particularly conifer seeds, and can be seen flying rapidly and erratically between branches.
The Siskin can be confused with the Serin, but can be distinguished by its black cap and yellow wing bars, as well as its smaller size and more agile flight, while the Greenfinch lacks the Siskin's distinctive yellow rump and black throat patch.
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