Pennsylvania · Winter visitor

Pine Siskins in Pennsylvania

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

Finches (Fringillidae)Pine SiskinSpinus pinus

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

When to expect pine siskins in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, pine siskins are winter visitors rather than breeders. Snow cover makes suet and heated water valuable; both chickadee species meet in a narrow hybrid zone across the south of the state. While here they rely on spruce, birch and alder seed.

Humid continental; cold, snowy winters in the north and mountains, milder in the southeast.

Native Pennsylvania plants that attract pine siskins

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

New England aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae · Perennial

Fall seed.

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.

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.

Feeding pine siskins through the Pennsylvania year

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

Best foods: Nyjer, Hulled sunflower.
In Pennsylvania's winter: Snow cover makes suet and heated water valuable; both chickadee species meet in a narrow hybrid zone across the south of the state.

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

Frequently asked

Are pine siskins in Pennsylvania year-round?

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

What native plants attract pine siskins in Pennsylvania?

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

Other backyard birds in Pennsylvania

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 Evening Grosbeak Common Redpoll 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.