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Pine Siskin

(Carduelis pinus)

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Size             : 4.5 - 5 inches long (11 - 13 cm)

Description      : Male   - Has patches of yellow on wings and at the base of its notched tail
                            Body has dark brown streaks all over
 
                   Female - Same as male

Preferred Habitat: Conifers, thickets, weed patches, brushy pastures

Preferred food   : Insects, buds, seeds; may stop at feeder for thistle, nutmeats, millet, hemp,
                   and sunflower seeds; in the wild, enjoys dandelion, Lamb's Quarters, birch,
                   Scotch thistle, and arborvitae seeds, tree buds

Breeding Range   : Southern Labrador, west to southern Alaska, south to northern Indiana, west to California, 
                   south to western Mexico
 
Winter Range     : Breeding range, except for Canada, south to Mexico and east to Florida

Interesting Facts:- A Pine Siskin is a finch, often confused with the female house finch, 
                    until it opens its wings and shows the yellow patches 
                  - Like most northern finches, they are fond of salt 
                  - Show aggressive behavior at feeders and may steal seed from other birds
                  - Song is like that of a goldfinch, but less musical
                  - Very tame backyard bird, easily trained to hand-feed
                  - Nest is shallow saucer-like structure, made of twigs, moss, leaves, bark;
                    lining is animal hair, down, fur and moss 
                  - Clutch size: 3 - 4; incubation period: 10 - 14 days; nestling period: 12 - 15 days;
                    Broods per season: 1