The best bird feeder and seed for pine siskins
Streaky finches that mob nyjer feeders in irruption years. Siskins are very prone to salmonella outbreaks at crowded feeders; clean nyjer feeders weekly in an irruption year.
Which feeder types do pine siskins use?
| Feeder | Holds | Squirrels | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nyjer (finch) tube | Nyjer, fine chips | Squirrels ignore nyjer | Tiny slit ports release one seed at a time. |
| Nyjer sock | Nyjer | Squirrels ignore nyjer | Cheap and effective for a season; finches cling all over it. |
| Tube feeder | Sunflower, hearts, mixes | Poor unless caged or weight-activated | The workhorse for small clinging birds. Metal ports resist squirrel chewing. |
Feeders pine siskins use, budget to premium
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What seed do pine siskins like best?
| Food | Why | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Nyjer (thistle) | Not related to thistle despite the name. Imported nyjer is heat-treated so it does not sprout. Needs a feeder with tiny ports or mesh or it pours out. | Goes stale in weeks; buy small bags |
| Sunflower hearts and chips | Costs more per pound but nothing is wasted as shell weight, and nothing sprouts under the feeder. The best choice over a patio or deck. | Spoils faster; buy what you use in a few weeks |
Food to buy for pine siskins
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Where and when should you feed pine siskins?
- Height and spot: 5 feet.
- When: Irregular winter visitors; some years in huge numbers.
- Range: North and mountain West, irrupting south.
- Feeding style: Feeds at hanging feeders; a pole with a baffle keeps squirrels off without bothering them.
The same setup also brings goldfinches, house finches, chickadees, titmice and nuthatches, which use the same feeder types.
Feeders for other birds
Cardinals · Blue Jays · Goldfinches · House Finches · Chickadees · Titmice · Nuthatches · Woodpeckers · Bluebirds · Wrens · Orioles · Hummingbirds · Mourning Doves · Juncos · Native Sparrows · Towhees · Grosbeaks · Robins · Mockingbirds · Purple Finches · Redpolls · Keeping starlings and grackles away · Red-bellied Woodpeckers · Downy Woodpeckers · Cedar Waxwings · Quail
Get the pine siskins feeding checklist
Feeder, seed, height and cleaning schedule for pine siskins on one printable page.
Used only to send the checklist.Frequently asked questions
What is the best bird feeder for pine siskins?
A nyjer (finch) tube is the most reliable choice for pine siskins. Streaky finches that mob nyjer feeders in irruption years. Pair it with nyjer (thistle), place it 5 feet, and keep it clean every two weeks. A second feeder type such as a nyjer sock widens the appeal without adding much work.
What do pine siskins eat at feeders?
In order of preference: nyjer (thistle) and sunflower hearts and chips. Not related to thistle despite the name. Imported nyjer is heat-treated so it does not sprout. Needs a feeder with tiny ports or mesh or it pours out. Offer one food per feeder rather than a mix, so birds are not flicking unwanted grains onto the ground to get at the one they want.
Where should I put a feeder for pine siskins?
5 feet. Keep it within 3 feet of a window or beyond 30 feet to avoid collisions, at least 10 feet from anything a squirrel can jump from, and 10 to 12 feet from dense shrubs so pine siskins can reach cover without cats being able to ambush them.
When do pine siskins come to feeders?
Irregular winter visitors; some years in huge numbers. Range: North and mountain West, irrupting south. Keep feeders stocked and clean through the season pine siskins are present in your area, since a feeder that is empty for several days is often abandoned for a neighbour's.
Do pine siskins use birdhouses?
No. Pine siskins build open nests in shrubs, trees or on the ground and do not use enclosed nest boxes. Dense native shrubs, brush piles and leaving leaf litter in place do far more for them than any structure.