Finches

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

A small, heavily streaked finch with subtle yellow flashes in the wings and tail, visible in flight. It is highly gregarious and travels in noisy, restless flocks through coniferous forests.

Current regional viewing notes

Coniferous forests, forest edges, and bird feeders throughout Hoonah; often found in large, active flocks.

Dataset note: This legacy field can be specific to Southeast Alaska/Hoonah and is not a complete statewide range statement.

Habitat

Coniferous forests, mixed woodlands, and areas near bird feeders.

Diet

Seeds from conifers, alders, and birches; also insects during breeding season.

Natural history note

Pine Siskins can temporarily increase their metabolic rate by up to 40% above normal on cold winter nights, and they put on up to 15% of their body weight in fat each day to survive.