Spinus – Siskins & goldfinches

A lively and colorful group of small songbirds in the finch family, found throughout the Americas, Europe, and parts of Asia. These birds are instantly recognizable for their bright plumage, cheerful songs, and acrobatic movements. What sets Spinus finches apart from other small songbirds is their vibrant yellow or greenish hues, streaky patterns, and incredible adaptability to various habitats — from mountain forests to city parks.

One of the most well-known members of the genus is the American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis), beloved for its canary-yellow summer plumage and rollercoaster-like flight pattern. Males molt into duller colors in winter, making their bright summer feathers even more special. In contrast, the Eurasian Siskin (Spinus spinus), found across Europe and parts of Asia, keeps a more consistent green-yellow plumage and is a regular winter visitor at feeders. And then there’s the flashy Hooded Siskin (Spinus magellanicus) of South America, which sports a black cap and vibrant yellow body that makes it look like it flew out of a tropical fruit bowl.

One of the coolest things about Spinus finches is their seed-based diet and the beaks that evolved to match it. Their conical beaks are perfectly designed for extracting seeds, especially from thistles, sunflowers, and alder cones. In fact, the American Goldfinch feeds almost exclusively on seeds, which is rare for songbirds — even during nesting season, they raise their chicks on regurgitated seeds, not insects.

Spinus species are often nomadic. Many don’t migrate in the traditional north-south pattern. Instead, they roam irregularly in response to seed availability, especially in winter. This means that flocks of siskins or goldfinches might appear in huge numbers one year and be completely absent the next — a phenomenon birders call an “irruption.” So if you suddenly see a swarm of yellow birds at your feeder one snowy morning, you’re probably witnessing one of these spontaneous movements.