Finches (Fringillidae)
Pine Siskin
Spinus pinus. Conifer, alder and birch seeds.
Finches (Fringillidae)Pine SiskinSpinus pinus
- Scientific name
- Spinus pinus
- Length
- 4.3–5.5 in
- Weight
- 0.4–0.6 oz
- Nest
- Shallow cup far out on a conifer branch
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 3–5 eggs
- Incubation
- 13 days
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
Identification
- Heavily streaked brown
- Yellow edging on wings and tail
- Sharp, fine-pointed bill
Voice
Rising 'zreeeee' buzz and twittering calls.
Diet and feeding
Conifer, alder and birch seeds.
Pine Siskins by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Winter visitor | — |
| Alaska | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Alberta | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Arizona | Year-round resident | March–June |
| Arkansas | Winter visitor | — |
| British Columbia | Year-round resident | May–June |
| California | Year-round resident | March–June |
| Colorado | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Connecticut | Winter visitor | — |
| Delaware | Winter visitor | — |
| Florida | Winter visitor | — |
| Georgia | Winter visitor | — |
| Idaho | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Illinois | Winter visitor | — |
| Indiana | Winter visitor | — |
| Iowa | Winter visitor | — |
| Kansas | Winter visitor | — |
| Kentucky | Winter visitor | — |
| Louisiana | Winter visitor | — |
| Maine | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Manitoba | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Maryland | Winter visitor | — |
| Massachusetts | Winter visitor | — |
| Michigan | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Minnesota | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Mississippi | Winter visitor | — |
| Missouri | Winter visitor | — |
| Montana | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Nebraska | Winter visitor | — |
| Nevada | Year-round resident | April–June |
| New Brunswick | Year-round resident | May–June |
| New Hampshire | Year-round resident | May–June |
| New Jersey | Winter visitor | — |
| New Mexico | Year-round resident | April–June |
| New York | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Year-round resident | May–June |
| North Carolina | Winter visitor | — |
| North Dakota | Winter visitor | — |
| Northwest Territories | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Nova Scotia | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Ohio | Winter visitor | — |
| Oklahoma | Winter visitor | — |
| Ontario | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Oregon | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Pennsylvania | Winter visitor | — |
| Prince Edward Island | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Quebec | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Rhode Island | Winter visitor | — |
| Saskatchewan | Year-round resident | May–June |
| South Carolina | Winter visitor | — |
| South Dakota | Winter visitor | — |
| Tennessee | Winter visitor | — |
| Texas | Winter visitor | — |
| Utah | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Vermont | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Virginia | Winter visitor | — |
| Washington | Year-round resident | April–June |
| West Virginia | Winter visitor | — |
| Wisconsin | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Wyoming | Year-round resident | May–June |
| Yukon | Year-round resident | May–June |
Frequently asked
What do pine siskins eat?
Conifer, alder and birch seeds. At feeders: nyjer, hulled sunflower.
How big is a Pine Siskin?
4.3–5.5 in long and 0.4–0.6 oz.
Do pine siskins use birdhouses?
No. Shallow cup far out on a conifer branch.
Sources
- Pine Siskin — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Pine Siskin life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Pine Siskin — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.