Black-chinned Siskin

Identification

The black-chinned siskin is a small finch, measuring 12 to 13 cm long and weighing 13 to 20 grams. Males are distinctively marked with a black forehead, lores, and crown, contrasting with an olive-green face washed with yellow and a bright yellow supercilium extending from behind the eye to the neck side. The back is olive-green with fine dark streaks, while the rump glows yellow to yellowish-green. The tail is mostly black with yellow bases, and the wings display a complex pattern of black feathers edged in pale green or buff, with bright yellow bases on the flight feathers creating striking wing bars. The chin and throat center are black, the breast bright yellow with green-washed flanks, and the belly whitish. Females lack the bold black head markings, instead showing a greenish-yellow head with a bright yellow forehead and supercilium, duller olive-green backs, and less yellow in the wings and tail. Juveniles resemble females but are paler overall with no bright facial yellow.

Range & Habitat

This is the southernmost siskin of its genus, found throughout Chile from the Atacama Region to Magallanes, across southern Argentina from Mendoza and La Pampa to Tierra del Fuego, and on the Falkland Islands. On the mainland, it primarily inhabits tall coniferous and broadleaf forests, though it also frequents more open country with brush, thickets, and Nothofagus shrubs, and occasionally visits suburban gardens. On the Falklands, it favors areas with tall tussock grass and introduced vegetation. Elevations range mostly below 1,500 metres, though records extend to 1,850 metres.

Behaviour & Diet

The black-chinned siskin is a partial migrant, with many individuals moving from higher elevations to plains and valleys after breeding, and others shifting from Chile's Chiloé Island to the mainland seasonally. It feeds primarily on seeds, though it also takes insect larvae from under bark and has been observed consuming flowers and farmed crops. Birds forage in pairs and small flocks during breeding season, expanding to flocks of up to 100 individuals outside breeding. They feed at all levels, from weedy ground patches to the forest canopy. The species breeds from July to February, building cup nests of grasses, plant fibers, and animal hair in shrub branches up to 2 metres high. Clutches contain three to five pinkish-white eggs marked with reddish-brown. The bird's loud, musical song incorporates phrases and trills along with varied calls: a rising tsooeet, an abrupt chit, a subdued tsi-tsi-tsi trill, and a short chup in flight.

Best Time & Places to See It

The black-chinned siskin is widespread and common throughout most of its range, making it a reliable species for travellers visiting southern Chile and Argentina. Coastal regions, temperate forests, and open brushy areas all offer good viewing opportunities. The breeding season from July to February is particularly active, with vocal birds visible at various heights from ground to canopy. Falkland Islands visitors should search tall tussock-grass areas. The species' habit of forming flocks of up to 100 individuals outside breeding season can produce spectacular sightings when birds congregate in favourable feeding areas.

Photography Tips

The black-chinned siskin's striking sexual dimorphism and complex plumage pattern reward careful observation. Males are more visually distinctive with their black-and-yellow contrast, making them easier subjects, while females require patience to capture their subtler greenish and yellow tones. The species' activity at multiple canopy levels means shooting opportunities range from ground feeders to high perches; consider both angles. During breeding season, look for birds near nesting shrubs where parental behaviour creates compelling photographic moments. Flocking behaviour outside breeding offers chances for group shots, though individual detail becomes challenging in larger assemblies. The bird's vocal nature helps location—listen for the loud musical song and distinctive calls to pinpoint birds before visual searching.