From Opus

Photo by Scottishdude
Whatton Nottinghamshire, March 2004

Spinus spinus

Carduelis spinus

[edit] Identification

Male Mainly yellowish-green, with darkish streaks. Black chin and crown. Yellow rump.
Female and Juvenile lack the black head, are less yellow and more streaked.

[edit] Distribution

Female
Photo by dfd
Ireland, March 2009

Breeds in the northern Palearctic from the UK to Siberia. Winters in the Mediterranean region and China.
British Isles: resident, breeding in most of the Scottish highlands and in Ireland. Also found locally in England and Wales.

[edit] Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species^[1].

Formerly placed in genus Carduelis.

[edit] Habitat

Breeds mostly in coniferous woods, but may also be found in gardens with conifer trees. In winter may be found feeding in birches and alders.

[edit] Behaviour

Gregarious, particularly in the winter and often seen in mixed flocks of Goldfinches and Redpolls.

[edit] Flight

Bounding flight. Also a circular display flight, which is rather bat-like. Hops on the ground.

[edit] Diet

They mostly feed on the seeds of conifers, alders and birch and will also eat insects.

[edit] Breeding

The 4-5 light greenish-blue eggs have reddish-brown spots and streaks. They are laid in April or May and there may be a second clutch. The nest is formed from dead twigs, roots, moss and heather.

[edit] Vocalisation

[edit] References

1. Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, B.L. Sullivan, C. L. Wood, and D. Roberson. 2012. The eBird/Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to October 2012. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist
2. Collins Pocket Guide to British Birds 1966
3. The Observer's Book of Birds' Eggs
4. RSPB

• List of references

[edit] External Links