The black-chinned siskin is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. Found in Argentina, Chile and the Falkland Islands, its natural habitats are temperate forests and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Southern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in southern and central Chile, adjacent Argentina (notably Patagonia), and the Falkland Islands. It inhabits temperate beech (Nothofagus) forests, forest edges, second-growth woodland, and shrublands, and adapts well to degraded and semi-open habitats. In the Falklands it uses tussock grass, shrub patches, and settlements. The species also forages in weedy fields, along roadsides, and in gardens. It is tolerant of human-modified landscapes provided seed sources and cover are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The black-chinned siskin is a small South American finch, with males showing a distinctive black chin and cap that give the species its name. It frequents temperate Nothofagus forests, forest edges, scrub, and even towns, often forming lively flocks outside the breeding season. During breeding it shifts to more protein-rich foods, feeding insects to nestlings. It readily takes seeds from weedy plants and may visit garden feeders in its range.
Female
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season, it forms small to medium-sized flocks that move through open woodland and scrub. Pairs establish small territories during breeding, building cup nests in shrubs or trees, often in conifers or Nothofagus. Clutch size is typically 3–5 eggs, and both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A lively, high-pitched twittering song with rapid trills and tinkling phrases, often delivered from an exposed perch. Calls include thin, sibilant notes and rapid chatter exchanged within flocks.
Plumage
Male is bright yellow-green with a crisp black chin and cap, dusky wings showing bold yellow wing bars, and a yellow rump; underparts are yellow. Female is duller olive with faint streaking on the flanks, lacks the full black cap, and shows subtler wing bars. Both sexes have a short, conical bill and notched tail.
Diet
Primarily consumes seeds from grasses, thistles, and other weedy plants, as well as buds and small seeds from shrubs and trees. During the breeding season it supplements with small insects and larvae to feed nestlings. It will also glean seeds from the ground and from seed heads while perched.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, in second-growth thickets, scrub, and weedy openings, and readily around rural settlements and gardens. Often forages in mixed-species finch flocks outside the breeding season.
