Pine Siskins look a lot like goldfinches, but they are slightly smaller and have sharper beaks and streaky feathers like a House Finch. We don’t see them every winter here in southern Wisconsin, and unfortunately they are considered a “common bird in steep decline.” They usually arrive in flocks in the winter, but sometimes I see a stray bird or two hanging out with flocks of goldfinches.
These finches feed from tube, platform and hopper feeders and on the ground. They prefer Nyjer and sunflowers seeds (black oil and hulled) but will also eat millet and peanut halves.
Most songbirds are quiet during the non-breeding season, but flock of Pine Siskins will make noise as they sit together in the treetops. The sound is what the Cornell Lab of Ornithology calls “a harsh, upsweeping zreeeeeet” call.