Eurasian siskin

Spinus spinus

The Eurasian siskin (Spinus spinus) is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae.

Family: Fringillidae Order: passerines Conservation: Least Concern
Eurasian siskin

About the Eurasian siskin

The Eurasian siskin (Spinus spinus) is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae. It is also called the European siskin, common siskin or just siskin. Other (archaic) names include black-headed goldfinch, barley bird and aberdevine. It is very common throughout Europe and Eurosiberia. It is found in forested areas, both coniferous and mixed woodland where it feeds on seeds of all kinds, especially of alder and conifers. It can be distinguished from similar finches by its plumage colour. Its upperparts are greyish green and its underparts are grey-streaked white. Its wings are black with a striking yellow wing bar and its tail is black with yellow sides. The male has a predominantly yellow face and breast with a neat black cap. The female and young birds have a greyish-green h

Fun Facts About Eurasian siskin

  • These birds exhibit an unusual migration pattern, migrating southwards in large numbers every few years in winter.
  • The male has a predominantly yellow face and breast with a neat black cap.
  • The female and young birds have a greyish-green head and no cap.
  • Its wings are black with a striking yellow wing bar and its tail is black with yellow sides.
  • Its song is a pleasant mix of tweets and trills.

Conservation Status

The Eurasian siskin is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

Orderpasserines
FamilyFringillidae
GenusSpinus
SpeciesSpinus spinus

Range & Habitat

Range map of Eurasian siskin

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Related Species

Other species in the Fringillidae family: