Identification
Length: 12cm.

The male has a black crown (tipped grey in autumn), and a black chin. Both these features distinguish the Siskin from all other yellow-green finches. The rump, eye stripe, neck and breast are a yellowish. They have a yellow wing-bar and a grey-white belly. The outer tail feathers are black and yellow. The female is grey with no black on the head, and whitish streaked under parts. They are distinguished from the Serin at all ages by the yellow patches at the base of the tail.

Call
The Siskin emits a 'tsuu'. Their song is a sweet, musical twittering.

Reproduction
Breeding starts from April onwards. They nest high up in trees, usually near the end of a branch. The nest is a small compact cup of twigs, grass and moss, and is line with hair, wool, feathers and plant down.
Three to five, light blue with brownish, lilac or pinkish spotting, eggs are laid. The female incubates for eleven to fourteen days. Both tend the young which leave the nest after thirteen to fifteen days.

Habitat
They prefer coniferous or mixed woods.

Natural Food
They eat mainly seeds but also come into gardens to feed on peanuts in February and March.

Where to Feed
Table Feeder - Open topped
Table Feeder - Covered
Feeders - Minimum 1m height

Suitable Wild Bird Food from the Shop
Ark Feeder Mix
Ark 'No Mess' Feeder Mix
Ark 'All-Purpose' Mix
Live Food
Peanuts
Sunflower Seeds

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