Siskin

🔍 Overview
A colourful finch often seen in Sussex during winter, especially in alder and conifer stands. Some breed locally, mostly in wooded uplands.  Fairly common breeder.

🪶 Key Identification Features

• Size: Small (11–12 cm)

• Plumage: Greenish-yellow with black markings

• Distinctive Marks: Males have black crown and bib

• Bill: Short and conical

• Tail: Forked

• Flight: Bouncy and fast

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution
Winters widely in woodlands, especially with alder and birch; breeds in scattered upland forests. Seen at Chantry, Cissbury, Hollingbury Hill

🎶 Voice & Behaviour
Fast twittering calls and jingling song. Often seen in noisy flocks feeding in treetops.

🍴 Diet
Mainly seeds—particularly alder and birch; some insects in summer.

📸 Birding Tip
Look for flocks in alder stands around woodland edges in late winter.