Maryland · Winter visitor

Pine Siskins in Maryland

When pine siskins are present in Maryland, when they nest, which native Maryland plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 6a–8a yard.

Finches (Fringillidae)Pine SiskinSpinus pinus

Status in Maryland: Winter visitor
Nesting window: Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones: USDA 6a–8a

When to expect pine siskins in Maryland

In Maryland, pine siskins are winter visitors rather than breeders. Mild winters in the east with regular snow in the western mountains. While here they rely on spruce, birch and alder seed.

Humid subtropical on the Chesapeake coastal plain, cooler in the Appalachian west.

Native Maryland plants that attract pine siskins

Of the regional native plants we track for Maryland, 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.

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.

Loblolly pine

Pinus taeda · Tree

Pine seed and bark insects; key habitat for Brown-headed Nuthatch.

Feeding pine siskins through the Maryland year

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

Best foods: Nyjer, Hulled sunflower.
In Maryland's winter: Mild winters in the east with regular snow in the western mountains.

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

Frequently asked

Are pine siskins in Maryland year-round?

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

What native plants attract pine siskins in Maryland?

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

Other backyard birds in Maryland

Northern Cardinal Eastern Bluebird Carolina Chickadee Purple Martin Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker American Goldfinch Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch House Wren 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-headed 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 Pine Warbler Eastern Screech-Owl Wood Thrush Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird American Tree Sparrow House Sparrow European Starling White-crowned Sparrow Fox Sparrow

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.