The black-capped siskin is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is found in Mexico and Guatemala. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forest and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Southern Mexico and Guatemala
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in the highlands of Chiapas (Mexico) and the Guatemalan cordilleras. Prefers subtropical montane forests, especially pine–oak and cloud forest mosaics, and uses edges, clearings, and second-growth patches. It also visits forested ravines, shrubby slopes, and disturbed sites with abundant seeding plants. Birds may move locally to track food resources, especially during the dry season.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The black-capped siskin is a small highland finch of southern Mexico and Guatemala, most often found in pine–oak and cloud forests. Males show a distinctive black cap, while females are duller and often lack the solid cap. It forages acrobatically on seedheads and cones, sometimes forming small flocks outside the breeding season. Habitat degradation in montane forests can impact local numbers.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
undulating with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs during the breeding season and in small loose flocks at other times, sometimes mixed with other finches. Nests are placed in trees, often conifers or tall shrubs, with a cup of fine plant fibers. Both sexes participate in territory defense near the nest, and the male frequently accompanies the female while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a lively series of thin trills, twitters, and buzzy phrases delivered from a perch or in flight. Calls include sharp, sibilant tsee notes and soft rattling chirps used to keep contact in flocks.
Plumage
Compact finch with subtly streaked olive to gray-olive upperparts, paler underparts, and contrasting dark wings with bright yellow panels.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small seeds from grasses, composites, and conifers, including thistles and pine cones. It also takes buds and catkins when available. During breeding, it may add small insects to the diet, especially for nestlings. Foraging is agile, often hanging from seedheads or cones to extract seeds.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in clearings, and in second-growth with abundant weedy plants. Also uses pine–oak canopies and shrubby slopes, and may visit agricultural edges where seeding plants are plentiful.
