Bird of the Week
The Pine Siskin is often confused with finches or even sparrows due to its small size and coloration. As its name indicates, the Pine Siskin mostly breeds in open conifer forests. Northern pine forests support the majority of the species’ breeding population.
Pine Siskins forage in diverse habitats such as forests, thickets, meadows, grassland, backyard gardens and lawns. They will also flock to backyard feeders offering small seeds.
Pine Siskins have an amazing ability to survive in very cold temperatures. Their metabolic rates are typically 40% higher than a “normal” songbird of their size. When temperatures plunge as low as −94 °F, they can accelerate their metabolic rate up to five times normal for several hours. They protect their young from extreme cold by heavily insulating their nests with thick plant materials. Females literally never cease incubating their eggs and hatchlings, while being fed by their male mate. They are dedicated parents!
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Of the nearly 675,000 Pine Siskins that were banded between 1960 and 2011; fewer than 2,000 of this wide-ranging, nomadic wanderer were ever found. Pine Siskins can store seeds in their crop that add up to as much as 10% of their body mass. Pine Siskins migrate by day, in flocks. They are sometimes called a Goldfinch in disguise or a winter finch. Partners in Flight classifies the Pine Siskin as a “Common Species in Steep Decline.” Siskins are usually quite vocal singing out a distinctive rising buzz like a zipper being zipped. When threatened the Pine Siskin will lower its head, spread its wings and tail and lunge forward. Thistle seed is its favorite feeder food. Click here to listen to its chatter and “zipper” sound. Click here to watch Pine Siskins battle other birds on a feeder.
Pine Siskin Fun Facts
