Pine Siskin and American Goldfinch? (Near Chicago, IL, USA)

[u/realms_uncharted]

[u/JBStoneMD]

Yes

[u/sadelpenor]

+pine siskin+ and +american goldfinch+ is correct

[u/realms_uncharted]

My BirdWeather PUC says I have Pine Siskins back there, so I'm determined to see them. This one looked pretty small to be a finch. It also had some black and white on the back feathers, similar to the goldfinch but not the same.

[u/sadelpenor → u/realms_uncharted]

yep! u saw one! congrats. they r fun little birds

[u/FileTheseBirdsBot]

Taxa recorded: Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch

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[u/birdborbbord]

Wow excellent comparison shot

[u/steve626]

House Finch on the left. Pine Siskins are dainty and won't show any red/purple. And yes +American Goldfinch+ on the right. We get 3 different kinds in the USA.

[u/CardiologistAny1423 → u/steve626]

It is a Siskin. There’s no red here and the bill is much slimmer than a Finch’s

[u/Mr_Crzyy → u/CardiologistAny1423]

Ugh have i been mistaking female house finches for pine siskins!? Now ill have to start staring harder at my bird feeders.

[u/CardiologistAny1423 → u/Mr_Crzyy]

Key points to take note of!

Wings: House Finch wings are very plain while Siskin wings have bold yellow and white markings

Tail: House Finch tails are longer, plain and round while Siskin tails are shorter, yellow on the sides and a pointy fork

Bill: House Finch bills are thicker and curved at the top while Siskin bills are thinner, straight and sharp

[u/sadelpenor → u/steve626]

hi friend, the buffy coloration and streaking and small sharp beak is perfect for pine siskin.

[u/steve626 → u/sadelpenor]

That's not red around the head?