SISKIN : Carduelis spinus
The Siskin is a small, lively finch, smaller than a Greenfinch. It has a distinctly forked tail and a narrow bill. The male has a streaky yellow-green body and a black crown and bib. There are yellow patches in the wings and tail. [RSPB] Immature birds do not yet have the stronger colours of the adults, but may already be almost fully grown and able to fly.
It's a resident breeder from southern England to northern Scotland, but is most numerous in Scotland and Wales. Many breeding birds are residents but in winter, birds also arrive here from Europe. [RSPB].
We see them around West Dunbartonshire sometimes in flocks, alighting along the hedges and then taking off again as we approach.
This one is a juvenile. It got a bit stunned when it hit a window and so posed for a photo.
But recovered quickly and flew up onto a branch.
A close-up of its head shows its seedeater beak.
RSPB : https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/siskin
SCOTTISH WILDLIFE TRUST : https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/species/siskin/
