| Eurasian Siskin (Carduelis spinus (Linnaeus, 1758)) |
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Scientific name: Carduelis spinus (Linnaeus, 1758) Common name: Eurasian Siskin French name: Tarin des aulnes Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae Size: Body size: 12 cm; Wingspan: 20 to 23 cm; Weight: 10 to 14 g. Habitat: Forests and woodland areas with a preference for coniferous trees. It is observed feeding on Alders and Birches in winter. Food: The Eurasian Siskin feeds on seeds of Alders, Birches, Thistles and Dandelions. The young birds are fed with insects. Nesting: The nest is a nice cup located high in a tree, next to the tip of a branch. Females lay four to six eggs in April or May. Migration: Partially migratory. Northern birds move southwards in winter. Geographic area: Europe, North Africa, Middle East, Asia except south-east. |
The Eurasian Siskin has a green and bright yellow plumage. The tail is black. The wings show black stripes and a bright yellow wing bar. The belly and the chest are a very pale yellow colour or even appearing whitish. They can be striated with black. Males have a black cap and a black chin. Females do not show any black cap. Their under parts are whiter and often more striated with black. You can often observe groups of Eurasian Siskins in winter hanging upside down on Birches or Alders where they feed on seeds. |
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Eurasian Siskins are not very common visitors to the feeding point. I have been lucky to observe some of them late winter 2010/2011. |
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It is the first time that I have installed a dish with water next to the feeding point. Many birds have come to drink. Will I spend some more time to install something more aesthetic? |
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My main observations of Eurasian Siskins are done during the cold winter periods, near the Alders which are growing on the banks of the ponds. |
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Here is one typical position of the Eurasian Siskin, hanging upside down to eat Alder seeds. |
André Bon February 2012