Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

Common – but highly irruptive Buzzy, Rising Medley

Learn to identify the Pine Siskin by ear. Master the "zreeeee" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“zree zree CHEE-chee-cheet tzree-ee-ee”

What the Pine Siskin sounds like

The Pine Siskin is a tiny, streak-lined finch best known for its nomadic, boom-and-bust winter movements. About the size of a goldfinch, it wears cryptic brown plumage heavily streaked with dark lines, accented by flashes of lemon-yellow in the wings and tail that sparkle when it flits about in tight, fast-moving flocks. Extremely gregarious, it descends on backyard feeders in noisy hordes during irruption years, then may disappear again for several seasons.

“zreeeee”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A long, fluttery jumble of high, husky buzzes and trills delivered from treetop or while circling high in the sky. Often written as “zree zree CHEE-chee-cheet tzree-ee-ee”.

Don't confuse with:The American Goldfinch — goldfinch lacks heavy streaking except in juveniles or winter females.

Lessons featuring the Pine Siskin

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Pine Siskin's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.

Winter Street Trees

Tier 2 · Around the Block

Finch Clinic: Warbles & Potato-Chips

Tier 3 · Family Reunion

Start Learning Free

Where you'll hear it

Breeds across Canada, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and high elevations of the Rockies and Appalachians. Winter range highly variable: some stay on breeding grounds, others flood south through most of the United States and into northern Mexico during irruptions.

Boreal and montane coniferous forest (spruce, fir, hemlock, pine), mixed woodlands, alder and birch thickets, and a wide range of human-altered habitats including parks, gardens, and weedy fields—especially in winter.

Nomadic year-round. Breeds as early as late March when conifer seed crops are heavy. Large-scale southward movements occur roughly every 2–3 years when northern seed crops fail.

Similar species

American Goldfinch

Goldfinch lacks heavy streaking except in juveniles or winter females.

Common Redpoll

Redpoll has red cap and often rosy wash on chest.

House Finch

Larger, thicker-billed, and lacks yellow in wings.

Pine Siskin song FAQ

What does a Pine Siskin sound like?

A long, fluttery jumble of high, husky buzzes and trills delivered from treetop or while circling high in the sky. Listen for the "zreeeee" phrase.

How do I tell a Pine Siskin from a American Goldfinch by sound?

American Goldfinch: Goldfinch lacks heavy streaking except in juveniles or winter females.; Bill stubbier and more conical; wings show bold white bars, not yellow flashes.; Summer males bright yellow with black cap, unlike streaky siskin..

When is the best time to hear a Pine Siskin?

Nomadic year-round. Breeds as early as late March when conifer seed crops are heavy. Large-scale southward movements occur roughly every 2–3 years when northern seed crops fail.