Siskin - 2003-07

The Siskin is a small yellowish green finch which has a narrow pointed bill, yellow wing bars and patches at the sides of the tail. The male has a black cap and bib. The Siskin breeds among conifers, nests being built at the tops of trees, usually attached to outer hanging branches.

At the close of the 1984-88 survey less than 10 pairs were known to be breeding in Pembrokeshire, mostly in Pantmaenog Forest. An increase in numbers followed, being most marked in 1991 following an unusually large influx the previous winter. By the time of the 2003–07 survey they had reached an estimated average density of four pairs per occupied tetrad, suggesting the county breeding population had reached about 280 pairs. During and after the survey, considerable felling of conifer plantations took place and this will have eliminated a great deal of habitat favoured by Siskins, so the period of peak population has probably passed.

Graham Rees

 

Fieldwork 2003-07 (based on 490 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 6

Orange = breeding probable = 39

Yellow = breeding possible = 26

Total tetrads in which registered = 71 (14.5%)