The Pine Siskin is a novel finch with a novel title, a minimum of in North America; the title originates from Eurasia the place there are lots of siskin species. Though in all probability onomatopoeic to a point (they make many metallic noises of their chattering songs which are near “sisk”), the title got here to English from Slavic languages through German. In basic, siskins are extremely nomadic and a basic irruptive species that may transfer nice distances looking for plentiful meals within the winter. Pine Siskins that have been banded have been recovered in utterly completely different components of North America in consecutive years on the identical date, Quebec and California being a notable instance.
As their title signifies (additionally their scientific title, Spinus pinus), Pine Siskins affiliate with conifers, together with pines, in lots of components of their life cycle. They will be seen year-round within the North Woods, the place they nest in free colonies in coniferous woods. In the remainder of Maine, they’re usually solely seen from fall to spring, roving in flocks between seed sources. This previous fall, they have been one of many few irruptive species that arrived in important numbers in Maine, many profiting from big mast crops of Eastern White Pine seeds. You might discover Pine Siskins at your feeders this month, as lots of the seed crops are eaten or coated in snow. They, like their cousins the goldfinches, favor small seeds from the aster household, particularly thistle. Even simpler, you’ll be able to depart goldenrods and asters standing via the winter as a pure chicken feeder!
Backyard Bird of the Month is a characteristic by Maine Audubon created for the Maine Home Garden News, the e-newsletter of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard
Photo by Jeff Schmoyer
