Siskins in England
When the Siskin (Spinus spinus) is present in England, when it nests, and which native England plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in England
- Winter visitor
- Nesting season
- Does not breed here
- Size
- 12 cm, 13 g
- Delivery
- Perch Supply ships to the UK
When to expect siskins in England
The Siskin reaches England for the winter from breeding grounds further north and east. Frosts are frequent but prolonged snow is rare in the south; garden feeders carry tits and finches through January and February, and Continental thrushes arrive in hard weather.
Temperate maritime: mild, damp and changeable, drier and sunnier in the south-east than the north-west.
Native England plants for siskins
Of the native plants we track for England, these 6 provide food the Siskin uses:
Goldfinches extract the seeds from standing heads in autumn and winter.
Seed heads for Goldfinches and a nectar source for insects.
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.
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 England all year?
No. The Siskin is a winter visitor to England and breeds further north or east.
Which native plants help siskins in England?
Teasel, Common knapweed, Silver birch, Alder, Scots pine, Juniper are native to England and provide food or cover the Siskin uses.
Siskins in other countries
Other garden birds in England
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.