Siskin
Carduelis spinus
Length 12cm

Charming little finch. Numerous and widespread during the winter months in Britain and Ireland, numbers being boosted by influx of continental birds. In breeding season, common in parts of Scotland but local elsewhere in Britain and Ireland, particularly so in S. Male in breeding plumage has striking yellow and green plumage with black bib and forehead. Female and winter male have more subdued colours but always show two yellow wingbars and yellow rump in flight. Breeds mainly in conifer forests but, in winter, forms flocks which feed mainly on cones of alder and birch. Often mixes with redpolls in feeding flocks.