Siskins are Sassy! Their needle-sharp beaks and quick movements are good for two things: for eating you out of house and home, and for fighting off each other and their rivals at the thistle feeder. Not seen every year, these finches have an irruption year when food is scarce in the north where they usually winter. When they do show up, they come in big numbers and can easily go through 25-pound bags of “black gold” or thistle seed, although they will eat sunflower seeds also. Besides their high-pitched twittering, Pine Siskins also make a rising SZZzzrreee! sound.

Pine Siskins have varying amounts of yellow on wings and tail. Some have almost none at all. It’s an unusual sight to see two siskins getting along at the feeder.

This bird is in defense mode!

Pine Siskins are streaky even underneath, and are also amazing little acrobats.

They are just as at ease hanging upside down feeding as they are upright.

Catching these feisty birds in action is a challenge and great fun for the photographer.

Yellowish wings and tail feathers flash open like caution lights when these birds are scrappin’!

Pine Siskins are streaked, sassy, and sing with a SZZzzrreee! They are fun to watch. Just don’t get between them and their food!