Illinois · Winter visitor

Pine Siskins in Illinois

When pine siskins are present in Illinois, when they nest, which native Illinois plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 5a–7b yard.

Finches (Fringillidae)Pine SiskinSpinus pinus

Status in Illinois: Winter visitor
Nesting window: Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones: USDA 5a–7b

When to expect pine siskins in Illinois

In Illinois, pine siskins are winter visitors rather than breeders. Cold, windy winters in the north; the southern tip is milder and hosts more wintering species. While here they rely on spruce, birch and alder seed.

Humid continental, grading from the Lake Michigan shore and prairie north to the forested Shawnee Hills in the south.

Native Illinois plants that attract pine siskins

Of the regional native plants we track for Illinois, these 8 provide food or cover pine siskins use:

Eastern red cedar

Juniperus virginiana · Tree

Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.

Wild bergamot

Monarda fistulosa · Perennial

Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.

Purple coneflower

Echinacea purpurea · Perennial

Leave seed heads up through winter for goldfinches.

Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta · Perennial

Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.

Common sunflower

Helianthus annuus · Perennial

Annual native sunflower — the original feeder seed.

New England aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae · Perennial

Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.

Little bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium · Perennial

Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.

Tall goldenrod

Solidago altissima · Perennial

Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.

Feeding pine siskins through the Illinois year

Siskins are prone to salmonella outbreaks at crowded feeders — clean tube feeders weekly during irruptions.

Best foods: Nyjer, Hulled sunflower.
In Illinois's winter: Cold, windy winters in the north; the southern tip is milder and hosts more wintering species.

Full diet breakdown for pine siskins · Best feeder for pine siskins

Frequently asked

Are pine siskins in Illinois year-round?

No. Pine Siskins are winter visitors in Illinois and do not typically nest there.

What native plants attract pine siskins in Illinois?

Eastern red cedar, Wild bergamot, Purple coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod are native plants in Illinois that provide food or cover for pine siskins.

Other backyard birds in Illinois

Northern Cardinal Eastern Bluebird Black-capped Chickadee Carolina Chickadee Purple Martin Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker American Goldfinch Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch House Wren Blue Jay House Finch Purple Finch Ruby-throated Hummingbird Carolina Wren Mourning Dove American Robin Dark-eyed Junco White-throated Sparrow Song Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Red-bellied Woodpecker Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Red-headed Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Common Grackle Red-winged Blackbird Baltimore Oriole Orchard Oriole Rose-breasted Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Eastern Towhee Gray Catbird Northern Mockingbird Brown Thrasher Cedar Waxwing Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Eastern Phoebe Chimney Swift Yellow-rumped Warbler Eastern Screech-Owl Wood Thrush Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird American Tree Sparrow House Sparrow European Starling White-crowned Sparrow Fox Sparrow Eurasian Collared-Dove

Sources

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.