Black-chinned Siskin

Overview

The Black-chinned Siskin is found in temperate woodland, scrub, and open country across southern Chile and Argentina, including areas near the southern tip of South America. It forages in flocks, often visiting gardens and cultivated land as well as native forest edge. Its relatively limited black head markings distinguish it from siskins with a more extensive black hood.

Feather Identification

• Black is restricted to the chin and forecrown in males, distinctly less extensive than a full black hood
• Body feathers are yellow-green, brighter yellow on the underparts
• Wings show a yellow patch at the base of the primaries plus pale wing bars, flashing in flight
• Tail feathers are dark with yellow at the base
• Females show little or no black on the chin, appearing more uniformly olive with light streaking
• Distinguished from Hooded and Black-capped Siskins by the limited extent of black restricted mainly to the chin and forehead rather than the whole head

Plumage Notes

Adult males show a small black patch on the chin and forecrown against yellow-green body plumage, with yellow wing and tail markings. Females lack or show minimal black, appearing duller olive with fine streaking. Juveniles resemble females. A single annual molt follows breeding, with males gradually developing the black chin patch.

Habitat & Range

Found in southern Chile and Argentina, including Tierra del Fuego, in temperate forest, scrub, and open woodland, often near human habitation. It is largely resident in the northern part of its range, with some populations moving to lower latitudes or elevations during the austral winter.

Behavior & Field Notes

Black-chinned Siskins forage in flocks, feeding on seeds of grasses, weeds, and garden plants, often visiting bird feeders and cultivated areas. Nests are built in shrubs or trees. The call is a thin, wiry twitter typical of siskins. Flocks are frequently seen foraging on the ground or clinging to seed heads in open, disturbed habitats near the southern end of South America.