Siskin - a finch from the north

Andy M has been lucky enough to have one or two male Siskin visit the feeders over the last week or so, and got chance to take a few photos today.  This slender, streaky, yellow-green finch has broad yellow and black bands on the wings, a yellow rump and yellow patches at the base of the tail. The males also having a characteristic black cap and chin, with a yellow stripe behind the eye.

A winter visitor to south and eastern Britain, travelling from Wales and northern Britain, as well as across from northern Europe, Siskin are usually seen on alder and birch trees, acrobatically feeding on seeds.  However, they will occasionally visit feeders, especially in mixed flocks of finches and redpoll - as was the case in Andy's garden.