Siskins in Norway
When the Siskin (Spinus spinus) is present in Norway, when it nests, and which native Norway plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in Norway
- Resident all year
- Nesting season
- May–June
- Size
- 12 cm, 13 g
- Nest box
- Does not use enclosed boxes
When to expect siskins in Norway
The Siskin lives in Norway all year round. Coastal winters are milder than latitude suggests; inland winters are severe.
Mild maritime on the Gulf Stream coast, cold continental inland and Arctic in the north.
Nesting in Norway
In Norway 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 Norway plants for siskins
Of the native plants we track for Norway, 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 Norway all year?
Yes — the Siskin is resident in Norway all year.
When do siskins nest in Norway?
Typically May–June. Clutches are 3–5 eggs, incubated for 12 days, with 2 per year.
Which native plants help siskins in Norway?
Silver birch, Alder, Scots pine, Norway spruce, Juniper are native to Norway and provide food or cover the Siskin uses.
Siskins in other countries
Other garden birds in Norway
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.