Pine Siskin Flocks

Small Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) flocks are becoming a daily sight for our Hawkcounters at North Lookout. During this time of year, these little finches are migrating in search of cone crops, aka the seeds inside pinecones. Their sharp, pointed bills are specially adapted to extract seeds from pinecones, thistles, and other seed-producing plants. They are irruptive migrants, and their winter movements are partially dependent on the abundance of cone crops in their northern range. Keep an eye out for flocks of small, streaked birds with yellow on the wingtips and a notched tail while visiting the Lookouts. They often join American goldfinch at feeders, both looking similar with black and white wings, but siskins are heavily streaked versus the un-streaked goldfinch. They form flocks in winter, moving to open fields to feed on seeds.

Photo by Bill Moses.