Singing male Siskin - a question

[Deb London]

I spotted a male Siskin singing in a wood in Herts today. I assume this means that it was setting up a territory. It would be great if this was the case as it is just a probable breeder in this area. But is this likely to be the case, based on this observation?

[Wild-Woman]

I have a feeling they will return north to breed. Perhaps they pair before returning back.

[aeshna5]

I have heard Siskin sing in the London area but they haven't hung around to breed.

Maybe its for practice or to pair bond before headed for wherever its going to breed?

[Deb London]

Thanks both very much!

[Jonathan]

Originally Posted by Deb London

I spotted a male Siskin singing in a wood in Herts today. I assume this means that it was setting up a territory. It would be great if this was the case as it is just a probable breeder in this area. But is this likely to be the case, based on this observation?

I think siskins will sing through most of the year, so it's not necessarily a territorial thing I suppose. Today I had several siskins, plus a few crossbills, singing from half a dozen larch trees - I'm sure they won't all nest in that area. Incidentally, fieldfare and redwing will also sing sometimes before they leave for the north. Listen out for them on calm, sunny mornings - at least that's when I usually hear them. Like starlings, they will often sing communally, all singing a quiet subsong which fuses into a wonderful sound. Fieldfares throw in a few of their familiar 'chak-chak' flight calls for added interest!

Cheers
jonathan

[Ladywell]

Quote 'plus a few crossbills'

Are you trying to make us jealous (you have succeeded!)

[Cordaline]

If you want to hear Siskins singing, come & stand in my garden at 7am.
The sound is amazing!
I get about 20/30 at a time in the tree in the garden & up to 100 in the neighbouring trees.
It is quite fantastic!

[Deb London]

Thanks all.

You had Crossbills Jonathan. Very envious.

Interesting about the Fieldfare/Redwing song. I will listen for that.

[Ladywell]

Cordaline - are you near a river? We live near the Derbyshire Derwent and see siskins feeding on the alders on the river bank but never get them in the garden!!