Siskin
Spinus spinus
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Siskin is a small, acrobatic finch that loves conifers. The Formby pinewoods attract winter flocks that spend the day hanging upside down from pine cones extracting seeds, or working along Alder catkins over water. The male is a beautiful, bright yellow-green with black cap and wings; females are streakier. Their twittering, wheezy calls and constant movement in the canopy make them relatively easy to locate despite their small size.
At a Glance
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Habitat | Coniferous woodland · Alder woodland · Mixed woodland |
| Diet | Seeds of conifers and Alder — extracts seeds from cones while clinging acrobatically |
| UK population | Around 369,000 pairs; green-listed; expanding |
| Sefton Coast | Regular winter visitor to the Formby pinewoods; flocks in Alder and pine |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Formby pinewoods — feeds on Scots Pine and Alder seeds.
Identification
Small finch. Male: green-yellow, black cap and wings, yellow rump and wing bars. Female: streaked green-grey. Pointed bill. Acrobatic behaviour — hangs from cones and catkins. Wheezy, twittering calls.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Walk the Formby pinewoods in November–February. Listen for twittering from the canopy and watch for small yellow-green birds clinging to pine cones. Also check any Alder trees near water.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species is on the UK Green List, indicating a healthy population status in the UK context. It remains an important component of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Siskins come to garden feeders in late winter?
Siskins visit garden peanut feeders particularly in late winter and early spring when natural food (pine and Alder seeds) is running out. Their affinity for hanging red peanut bags mimics their natural behaviour of clinging to red Alder catkins. Siskins are one of the classic 'late winter visitors' to gardens near woodland.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.