Hello, everyone! As the chill of winter sets in, a small guest arrives to grace our presence. It’s the Eurasian Siskin, a little smaller than a sparrow and decked in lemon yellow.
This tiny bird measures about 12 cm in length. The males, in particular, boast a vivid lemon yellow plumage, resembling little suns. The females are more subdued in color, blending seamlessly into nature. These birds enjoy colder regions but migrate to warmer areas like Japan during winter.
The diet of the Eurasian Siskin is impressively healthy, consisting mainly of plant seeds, buds, leaves, and fruits. They particularly enjoy the fruits of Alder and Hornbeam trees and add new sprouts and catkins of Oak and Elm to their spring menu.
Their specialty is skillfully opening pine cones with their tiny beaks to eat the seeds inside. They are active movers, often seen hanging upside down while feeding, like little acrobats.
The males are characterized by their striking lemon yellow feathers, which become even more prominent when they fly. They were once kept as pets due to their beauty, but now the best way to appreciate them is watching them fly freely in nature.
If you find yourself walking in a park on a winter day and spot little yellow birds, chances are you’ve come across a group of Eurasian Siskins. Their flocking in the skies is a quintessential winter scene. Be sure to look out for them!
