Siskins in Austria
When the Siskin (Spinus spinus) is present in Austria, when it nests, and which native Austria plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in Austria
- Resident all year
- Nesting season
- April–June
- Size
- 12 cm, 13 g
- Nest box
- Does not use enclosed boxes
When to expect siskins in Austria
The Siskin lives in Austria all year round. Cold, snowy winters, especially at altitude.
Continental and Alpine; most of the country is mountainous.
Nesting in Austria
In Austria the Siskin usually nests April–June. Nest site: cup high in conifers. Clutches are 3–5 eggs, incubated for 12 days; chicks fledge after 13–15 days, and pairs raise 2 per year.
- The Siskin does not use enclosed nest boxes — dense native shrubs and climbers give it nest sites.
- Avoid cutting hedges during the nesting season (roughly March to August) — in the UK, disturbing an active nest is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Native Austria plants for siskins
Of the native plants we track for Austria, these 6 provide food the Siskin uses:
Goldfinches extract the seeds from standing heads in autumn and winter.
Catkin seed for Siskins and Redpolls; many caterpillars for tit broods.
Cones hold seed that Siskins and Goldfinches feed on all winter.
Pine seed for Coal Tits, Crested Tits and Crossbills.
Cone seed for Siskins and Coal Tits; Goldcrest nesting habitat.
Berry-like cones taken by thrushes in winter.
Feeding in the garden
Alder, birch and conifer seed.
- Best foods: Nyjer, Sunflower hearts.
- Feeders: Nyjer feeder, Tube feeder.
- Often arrives in late winter when natural seed runs low.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Are siskins in Austria all year?
Yes — the Siskin is resident in Austria all year.
When do siskins nest in Austria?
Typically April–June. Clutches are 3–5 eggs, incubated for 12 days, with 2 per year.
Which native plants help siskins in Austria?
Teasel, Silver birch, Alder, Scots pine, Norway spruce, Juniper are native to Austria and provide food or cover the Siskin uses.
Siskins in other countries
Other garden birds in Austria
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.