Siskin Vs Greenfinch: Key Differences Explained
It is easy to mistake a siskin for a greenfinch as they are both members of the finch family and both have similar colours. However, there are enough differences to make telling these interesting birds apart fairly easy.
To find out more, keep reading as we look into the main differences between siskins and greenfinches.
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Key Takeaways
Although these two birds are both members of the finch family and share similar colours, there are a few key differences which can make it easier to differentiate between the two. These include;
- Siskins are smaller in size than greenfinches
- Siskins have more vibrant colours than greenfinches
- Siskins have a weaker beak which is horn coloured
- Greenfinches have a stronger, more conical beak which is pinkish in colour
- Greenfinches have grey cheeks whereas siskins cheeks are slightly darkened with a green tinge
- Siskins have dark almost black wings and tails with a yellow band compared to the greenfinches wings and tails which are a grey/green colour
- Siskins are around the same size as blue tits whereas greenfinches are around the same size as house sparrows
What Is The Difference Between A Siskin And A Greenfinch?
It can be easy to get confused between the siskin and the greenfinch because to the untrained eye they look very similar. They both share common colours which can make differentiating between the two quite difficult.
But there are enough differences to make identification simple if you know what you’re looking for.
Visual Differences
Let’s start with the easiest differences to spot which are the visual differences. If you only get a fleeting glance, you might find it difficult to tell the difference between these two members of the finch family.
Having said that, although they share similar colours, siskins are smaller, have more vibrant colourations and a thin beak which is horn coloured. Plus a siskin’s wings and tail are dark, almost black and have yellow bands or bars. Added to which a siskin’s head has a black cap and their backs are green with streaks of grey or black.
Whereas the wings and tail of a greenfinch are a grey/green colour and the wings have a pale yellow edge. The greenfinch’s beak is more conical in shape and has a pinkish colour. Greenfinches also have grey cheeks whereas siskins have yellow cheeks which are slightly darkened with a green tinge. The greenfinch also has a dark eye patch.
Differences In Habitat
You’re far more likely to see a greenfinch in gardens or parks as well as other urban areas all year round. But they are also found on farmland and in woodlands.
Siskins are most likely to be found in coniferous and mixed woodlands all across the UK. Having said that, siskins will take food from garden feeders especially in winter when food is scarce.
They prefer to eat the cones from the Sitka spruce tree and if these are in short supply, the siskin will then venture into gardens to find other sources of food.
Nests & Eggs
Siskins tend to make nests high up in conifer trees, The nest, built solely by the female, consists of a small cup made from thin twigs, moss, grass and lichen. The nest is typically lined with fine plant material, wool or hair.
The female will incubate the eggs herself and she will typically lay 4 to 5 eggs. The eggs are a white/blue colour with brown spots or freckles and are around 16 x 12 mm in size, weighing roughly 1.3 g.
Greenfinches tend to nest in ornamental conifers and evergreen bushes in gardens or public parks. It The nest is positioned up against the tree trunk or large branch/main stem of the bush.
The female builds the nest from twigs, plant stems, moss and grasses. She then lines it with soft plant materials, hair and feathers. The female incubates the eggs on her own and she will lay a clutch of around 4 to 5 eggs.
The eggs are a grey/white colour with brown spots or freckles and are around 20 x 15 mm in size and weigh around 2.2 g.
Bird Calls
It can be difficult to differentiate between the calls of these two birds. They both make a delightful mix of twittering and wheezing notes that can be heard throughout their habitats.
Having said that, greenfinches make a warbled, trilled or even buzzing note whereas siskins often make notes that rise and fall in pitch.
Size & Weight
An easy way to tell the difference between a siskin and a greenfinch is by the size. Siskins are around the same size as blue tits whereas greenfinches are around the same size as house sparrows.
There’s not much in it, but siskins are smaller than greenfinches. The average adult siskin is around 12 cm in length compared to an average greenfinch which is around 15 cm long.
The average wingspan of the siskin is around 20 to 23 cm whereas the wingspan of the greenfinch is around 26 cm. But it’s the weight where the real difference becomes apparent.
The average weight of a siskin is around 12 to 18 g whereas the average weight of the greenfinch is around twice as much, coming in at about 28 g.
SEE ALSO: Arctic Tern Vs Caspian Tern: Key Differences Explained
Frequently Asked Questions
You can identify a greenfinch by its yellow/green colour with bright yellow wing and tail edges and pinkish beak.
You can identify a siskin by its small size, streaky coloured back and black wings with yellow bars.
The siskin is around the same size as a blue tit.
