What they like

The siskin loves seeds. Especially from birch and alder – so plant those trees if you have the space. In winter they also turn up in large numbers at beeches full of nuts. Leave spent plants standing, like sunflower and teasel. Scatter some unsalted sunflower seeds or cracked maize in cold months. And don’t make it too tidy: a slightly messy edge with grass and seed-bearing herbs is a siskin magnet. No pesticides, just winter provisions.

Ecological importance

A true seed disperser. What goes in comes out elsewhere – including the seeds’ ability to germinate. During the breeding season they also eat insects, an important protein source for growing young. They themselves are prey for sparrowhawks and other birds of prey. In winter they sometimes form enormous flocks: strong together, warm together.

When in the Netherlands

Mainly a winter visitor (Oct–Mar). Breeds mainly in Scandinavia and Russia. In some winters they are numerous here, in others scarce – it depends on the food supply up north.

Status

Protected native bird. Not threatened at the European level. Numbers in the Netherlands fluctuate strongly from year to year. A landscape with more seed-bearing trees and herbs makes our country more attractive as a wintering site.