New Jersey · Winter visitor

Pine Siskins in New Jersey

When pine siskins are present in New Jersey, when they nest, which native New Jersey plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 6a–7b yard.

Finches (Fringillidae)Pine SiskinSpinus pinus

Status in New Jersey: Winter visitor
Nesting window: Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones: USDA 6a–7b

When to expect pine siskins in New Jersey

In New Jersey, pine siskins are winter visitors rather than breeders. Moderate winters; Cape May and the shore hold many half-hardy birds. While here they rely on spruce, birch and alder seed.

Humid continental to subtropical, from the Highlands in the north to the Pine Barrens and Cape May.

Native New Jersey plants that attract pine siskins

Of the regional native plants we track for New Jersey, 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.

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.

Eastern white pine

Pinus strobus · Tree

Seed-rich cones and year-round shelter.

Eastern hemlock

Tsuga canadensis · Tree

Small cones for siskins and chickadees; dense winter roosting.

Feeding pine siskins through the New Jersey year

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

Best foods: Nyjer, Hulled sunflower.
In New Jersey's winter: Moderate winters; Cape May and the shore hold many half-hardy birds.

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

Frequently asked

Are pine siskins in New Jersey year-round?

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

What native plants attract pine siskins in New Jersey?

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

Other backyard birds in New Jersey

Northern Cardinal Eastern Bluebird Black-capped Chickadee 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 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 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.