Siskins and New World Goldfinches

Members of the Spinus group are small, lively finches with pointed, cone-shaped bills that are well suited for getting seeds out of cones and seed heads. Most of these birds have yellow feathers to some extent, often mixed with black markings on their wings, top of the head, or face. Male birds usually have brighter colours than females. These birds fly in a wave-like pattern and often feed in small groups, hanging cleverly from plant stems while they search for food. There are about twenty species in this group, found across the Americas and Eurasia. In Britain, the Eurasian Siskin is a common resident and visitor in winter, while the American Goldfinch sometimes appears by chance. Birds in this group prefer the edges of woods, areas with bushes, and gardens where there are lots of plants that produce seeds. Their distinctive chirping calls and pleasant songs often let people know they are nearby before they can be seen.