Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)

The year 2020 has been a banner year for Pine Siskins in my area of the Chicago suburbs and from what I have seen on my groups, also other areas of the Midwest. They are at the birdfeeders in my backyard in numbers and also at the conservation area feeding on the Sawtooth Sunflower seeds.

Pine Siskins are interesting in that they are a little nomadic. Most species are somewhat consistent in their migratory patterns. Pine siskins, on the other hand, cannot be relied upon to show up in the same areas every year around the same times. Instead, they may show up in an area one winter and then be absent for several winters. We need to appreciate them while they are here, because who knows when they will return. Pine Siskins often congregate with goldfinches. They resemble house finches with heavier striping and a splash of yellow in the wings.