Netherlands · Winter visitor

Siskins in Netherlands

When the Siskin (Spinus spinus) is present in Netherlands, when it nests, and which native Netherlands plants supply the food it depends on.

Status in Netherlands
Winter visitor
Nesting season
Does not breed here
Size
12 cm, 13 g

When to expect siskins in Netherlands

The Siskin reaches Netherlands for the winter from breeding grounds further north and east. Mild, wet winters; hard frosts bring large movements of thrushes and finches.

Temperate maritime, flat and low-lying, with wind off the North Sea.

Native Netherlands plants for siskins

Of the native plants we track for Netherlands, these 6 provide food the Siskin uses:

Teasel
Dipsacus fullonum · Perennial

Goldfinches extract the seeds from standing heads in autumn and winter.

Common knapweed
Centaurea nigra · Perennial

Seed heads for Goldfinches and a nectar source for insects.

Silver birch
Betula pendula · Tree

Catkin seed for Siskins and Redpolls; many caterpillars for tit broods.

Alder
Alnus glutinosa · Tree

Cones hold seed that Siskins and Goldfinches feed on all winter.

Scots pine
Pinus sylvestris · Tree

Pine seed for Coal Tits, Crested Tits and Crossbills.

Juniper
Juniperus communis · Shrub

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 Netherlands all year?

No. The Siskin is a winter visitor to Netherlands and breeds further north or east.

Which native plants help siskins in Netherlands?

Teasel, Common knapweed, Silver birch, Alder, Scots pine, Juniper are native to Netherlands and provide food or cover the Siskin uses.

Siskins in other countries

Other garden birds in Netherlands

Sources

  1. Siskin — RSPB bird guide
  2. Siskin — BTO BirdFacts
  3. Vogelatlas van Nederland — Sovon

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.