Pine Siskins

The most acrobatic of the finches, Pine Siskins will feed while upside down on an
alder or fir twig. They are predominantly seed eaters, but they also forage for small
insects hidden in tree crevices. Their distinctive call, a slightly harsh zwee-e-e-e-e-t?,
is given frequently in small groups or large flocks.
Pine Siskins are often found in moist conifer stands, but occasionally they descend
into weedy fields and shrubby areas, where they use their pointed bills to extract the
seeds of birch trees, red alders and thistles in autumn. They readily visit hanging bird-
feeders stocked with niger seed. Feeders should be kept filled all year as Pine Siskin
can show up at any time.

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