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Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: FRINGILLIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Pine Siskin Photo

© J. R. Woodward/CLO

The most common of the irruptive "winter finches," the Pine Siskin often remains on the wintering grounds long enough to breed.

Come watch nesting birds at Nestcams.org

Appearance

Finches
Finches
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small finch.
  • Brown and heavily streaked, paler underneath.
  • Two buff wingbars, yellow in wing at base of flight feathers.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult, more buffy.

Range Map Help

Pine Siskin Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
    PopOutZoom In
    Adult
    • Some siskins are especially yellow (these may be males)
    • © J. R. Woodward/CLO
  • Adult
    PopOutZoom In
    Adult
    • Some are less yellow (these may be females)
    • © Marie Read

Similar Species

  • Heavy streaking on body distinguishes it from goldfinches.
  • Yellow in wings, heavily streaked breast, and lack of red spot on head distinguishes it from Common Redpoll.
  • Juvenile Yellow-rumped Warbler is similar in overall streaky appearance, but lacks yellow in wings and has a smaller, thinner bill.