Pine siskins are slender, heavily streaked finches that breed across Canada and throughout the Western Mountains; yellow patches on their wings and at the base of their tail aid identification but are primarily visible when they fly. While they winter throughout most of the Lower 48, their numbers are highly variable, typical of many irruptive species.
This morning, a flock of pine siskins turned up at the feeding station on our Littleton farm. Feasting on both niger and sunflower seeds, they scattered when a pair of magpies flew in and they might not return; indeed, siskins have been irregular visitors on the farm and may not appear at all during some winters.
These gregarious finches often nest in colonies, consuming insects, seeds and various flower parts during the warmer months. Come autumn, they wander about in sizable flocks, usually feeding in the company of house finches or American goldfinches. They are welcome on our farm any time but I won't expect to see them on a regular basis.
This morning, a flock of pine siskins turned up at the feeding station on our Littleton farm. Feasting on both niger and sunflower seeds, they scattered when a pair of magpies flew in and they might not return; indeed, siskins have been irregular visitors on the farm and may not appear at all during some winters.
These gregarious finches often nest in colonies, consuming insects, seeds and various flower parts during the warmer months. Come autumn, they wander about in sizable flocks, usually feeding in the company of house finches or American goldfinches. They are welcome on our farm any time but I won't expect to see them on a regular basis.
