You may have noticed huge flocks of little brown birds around the neighbourhood lately, they certainly are a welcome change from all the Ravens we usually get. For those who are curious about these little birds they are called  Pine Siskins.

Pine siskins are quick and travel in large and small flocks. These birds can be found throughout the United States and Canada, and they are especially common along the Rocky Mountains and in the coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest all year round. Populations that breed in southern Canada will migrate to the central and eastern United States, though if food is abundant the birds may not migrate. Pine siskins readily adapt to coniferous forests and suburban areas. The pine siskin is very vocal, calls include a high pitched rapid chittering as well as fast buzzing.

*Description: 

• Bill: Narrow and triangular, sharply pointed
• Size: 4-5 inches long with 8-inch wingspan, slender body
• Colors: brown or pale tan, yellow, white, green morphs (rare)
• Markings: Heavy dark streaking on the head, chest and abdomen with lighter streaking on the dark back. Thin, bright yellow bars on the edge of the wings originating from a small yellow patch. Faint yellow or buff wing bars and yellow patches at the edge of the tail are easily visible.

*Details courtesy of About.com http://birding.about.com/od/birdprofiles/p/propinesiskin.htm

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