Irruption of the Pine Siskin
If you have not been fortunate enough to see a Pine siskin, this is the year to look! This is one of the biggest irruption years in recorded history for these finches.
Patterned like a sparrow but shape, action and calls reveal a goldfinch in disguise. These very small songbirds are members of the finch family. Their primary range is in northern North America but they sometimes invade southward in large numbers coming to feeders along with other members of the finch family.
Pine siskin - notice the sharp pointy beak
If you have not been fortunate enough to see them, this is the year to look! This is one of the biggest irruption years in recorded history for these finches. So strong that they are even migrating at night. This is likely due to depleted conifer seeds in their native montane and boreal habitats. They are not shy and will readily take nyjer and sunflower seeds.
If you put out feeders for our feathered friends, you are likely to see them right now. It’s the first time I can recall seeing them at mine! What caught my attention was the slight bit of yellow on the wings. At first glance, they can easily be mistaken for female purple finches, winter colored American goldfinches, or even a sparrow. I wondered if I might have just been overlooking them as one of our other winter finch visitors all along.
Pine siskin on the left and Purple finch (female) on the right - notice difference in wing patterns/color and brow.
As I spent more time observing the vast numbers of finches at my feeder, I became more aware of the variations in the finch species visiting. It was intriguing and challenging to identify them. The house finch, purple finch, American goldfinch, and pine siskin are so similar! Here is a link to help differentiate them. Mainly, the bill is sharp and more pointed than the others and they have a touch of yellow on their wings and tails. The house and purple finches were another level of challenge. This link will help you get a grasp on them! Purple finches are also on the swing with larger numbers likely for the same reason as the pine siskins.
American goldfinch - notice the white on the wing bars and the lack of streaking on the chest
Male and female Purple finches - notice the extensive coloring on the male and the strong white brow on the female.
The Pine siskin is a gregarious little bird! Get out your feeders, add some nyjer and sunflower seeds, and have a watch!