Eurasian Siskin

Spinus spinus

Audubon Illustration

John James Audubon, Birds of America (1827-1838). Public domain.

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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.

Source: Wikipedia

Classification

Scientific name: Spinus spinus
Family: Finches, Euphonias, and Allies
Order: Passeriformes

Similar species

Other members of the finches, euphonias, and allies family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.

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