- Spinus spinus
Carduelis spinus
Identification
Male Mainly yellowish-green, with darkish streaks. Black chin and crown. Yellow rump.
Female and Juvenile lack the black head, are less yellow and more streaked.
Distribution
Breeds in the northern Palearctic from the UK to Siberia. Winters in the Mediterranean region and China.
British Isles: resident, breeding in most of the Scottish highlands and in Ireland. Also found locally in England and Wales.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
Formerly placed in genus Carduelis.
Habitat
Breeds mostly in coniferous woods, but may also be found in gardens with conifer trees. In winter may be found feeding in birches and alders.
Behaviour
Gregarious, particularly in the winter and often seen in mixed flocks of Goldfinches and Redpolls.
Flight
Bounding flight. Also a circular display flight, which is rather bat-like. Hops on the ground.
Diet
They mostly feed on the seeds of conifers, alders and birch and will also eat insects.
Breeding
The 4-5 light greenish-blue eggs have reddish-brown spots and streaks. They are laid in April or May and there may be a second clutch. The nest is formed from dead twigs, roots, moss and heather.
Vocalisation
<flashmp3>Carduelis spinus (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, B.L. Sullivan, C. L. Wood, and D. Roberson. 2012. The eBird/Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to October 2012. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist
- Collins Pocket Guide to British Birds 1966
- The Observer's Book of Birds' Eggs
- RSPB
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Eurasian Siskin. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 6 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Eurasian_Siskin
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