Siskins in Finland
When the Siskin (Spinus spinus) is present in Finland, when it nests, and which native Finland plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in Finland
- Resident all year
- Nesting season
- May–June
- Size
- 12 cm, 13 g
- Nest box
- Does not use enclosed boxes
When to expect siskins in Finland
The Siskin lives in Finland all year round. Long, dark, snowy winters; feeding is a widespread national habit.
Boreal continental, forested and lake-strewn.
Nesting in Finland
In Finland the Siskin usually nests May–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 Finland plants for siskins
Of the native plants we track for Finland, these 5 provide food the Siskin uses:
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 Finland all year?
Yes — the Siskin is resident in Finland all year.
When do siskins nest in Finland?
Typically May–June. Clutches are 3–5 eggs, incubated for 12 days, with 2 per year.
Which native plants help siskins in Finland?
Silver birch, Alder, Scots pine, Norway spruce, Juniper are native to Finland and provide food or cover the Siskin uses.
Siskins in other countries
Other garden birds in Finland
Sources
- Siskin — RSPB bird guide
- Siskin — BTO BirdFacts
- Finnish Bird Atlas — Finnish Museum of Natural History
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.