Siskin (Spinus spinus), Cannop Ponds, Gloucestershire

I find siskins difficult to capture -- they are small and highly active. A fast shutter speed was used to freeze movement.

Here the bird is perched high in an alder (the German name meaning alder finch is appropriate). The English name siskin is actually derived from the German dialect words Sisschen, Zeischen, which are diminutive forms of Middle High German zîsec and Middle Low German ziseke, sisek, words, which are apparently of Slavic origin.

The strong black and yellow head markings indicate that this is a male; the female is more subdued in colour, with a streaked head.

Widespread breeding species in mixed and coniferous woodlands in Europe with a disjunct population in the Far East.

200309 021

 

Erlenzeisig

Чиж

 

 

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