Nature Photographers Ltd

Siskin Carduelis spinus L 11-12cm. Recognised by broad yellowish bar on otherwise dark wings, yellow rump, and yellow sides to otherwise dark tail. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are separable. Adult male has yellowish green upperparts, streaked on back, and black cap and bib. Breast is flushed yellow-green but underparts are otherwise whitish with streaks on flanks. Note dark wings and yellow wingbars. Adult female is similar but duller, and lacks male’s black cap and bib. Juvenile has similar wing and tail patterns to adult but plumage is otherwise streaked grey-brown. Voice Utters whistling or twittering, disyllabic calls. Song is a series of twittering phrases. Status Locally common. In breeding season, found mainly in conifer woodlands. In winter, favours mainly alder and birch woodlands.