Scientific Name:
Carduellis spinus
Common Name:
Siskin
Family:
Finch Family: Fringillidae
Summary:
The Siskin is a small yellow and black finch. It has a greenish yellow back streaked with black, and bold black patches on the wings. The underparts are a lighter yellow fading to flecked white under the short notched tail. The face is yellow on both sexes, but on the male the crown is black and there is a small black bib under the stubby bill. The female has a flecked crown and no bib.
Ecology:
The Siskin is a woodland bird with a liking for a birch and alder trees, however, they build their tidy cup shaped nests in conifer trees. They flock with other finch species, and feed on a variety of seeds and invertebrates.
Habitat:
Woodland
Distribution:
Widespread small localised populations throughout the British Isles. Fewer found in the south in summer.
Size:
12 cm