THE SISKIN AND TWITE 



(Fringilla sinnus and F. flavirostris) 



The Siskin is one of the smallest of the British Finches, 

 and also one of the most interesting. It is a bird of the wild 

 northern pine woods, only wandering sonth in winter, and 

 seems to take the place of the Greenfinch in the evergreens 

 of the north. A few birds remain over the summer in their 

 southern haunts, but it is only as a winter visitor that it is 

 common. Let us study the habits of this charming little 

 bird during the autumn and winter months before we 

 accompany it on its northern flight to the wild mountain 

 forests where it builds its nest. 



Siskins unite into flocks of varying size, and appear once 

 more in their usual haunts by the end of September or early 

 in October. Sometimes we only meet with a small party of 

 these engaging little creatures, or even a solitary bird attaches 

 itself to a company of Titmice or Lesser Eedpoles — the large 

 flocks are exceptional gatherings, to be observed in severe 

 winters or in localities where food is unusually plentiful. 

 We may meet with the little Siskin wherever the alder or fir 

 trees flourish. A favourite haunt is along the fringe of 

 alders that skirt the stream; and as these trees shed their 

 leaves pretty early, we have a good opportunity of watching 

 the actions of the busy little birds. They search the trees 

 just like Titmice, clinging to the clusters of seeds, swaying 

 to and fro, now with head downwards, now with wings 



