•The pine siskins that turned up at our feeders at the nature center before the holidays are still coming and going. Like the goldfinches, they are fond of Niger seeds.
They're chattery and gregarious; you really never see just one siskin for long. Once the first one arrives to feed, it seems to be quickly joined by several others. They are often with goldfinches. Siskins are yellowish, streaked finches that do not always make it this far south in winter. Their migration is highly variable, probably related to food supply. Large numbers may move south in some years; hardly any in others. It's been several years since I saw any in the Tennessee Valley.
Worldwide there are many species of siskin, the word itself is apparently derived from either the Danish word "sidsken" or the Swedish "siska." Both mean a "chirper," which indeed they are.
The photo taken at Ijams shows nine siskins feeding with one goldfinch.
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2 comments:
What a fun photo. These birds are new to me so thanks for the info. They are coming to my feeder in whistling little flocks and visiting the bird bath. I here them gathering in the trees before they descend.
Hello Vickie.
Yes, these little chirpers are lively. It's been fun to watch them come and go at the nature center. Watching them helps to ease the cabin fever. Is it ever going to warm up?
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