Andean Siskin vs Black Siskin

Andean Siskin

Spinus spinescens

Tiny11 gGrassland

This is a small green-and-yellow finch. According to some sources, it is the smallest species of finch on average, although others give this title to the lesser goldfinch. The total length can range from 9.5 to 11 cm (3.7 to 4.3 in). A weight of 11.5 g (0.41 oz) may be at the high end. Few standard measurements are known, although the bill has been recorded at 1.1 cm (0.43 in) and the wing chord length is reportedly around 6.4 cm (2.5 in). The Andean siskin has deep green upperparts with black and yellow coloration on the wings and tail. The adult male has a distinctive black cap.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recorded by Niels Krabbe · Song · Carchi: eastern Páramo El Angel, Ecuador · CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: EstebanMH · CC BY 4.0

Black Siskin

Spinus atratus

Small16 gGrassland

The black siskin is 12 to 13 cm (4.7 to 5.1 in) long and weighs about 15 to 17 g (0.53 to 0.60 oz). The species is sexually dimorphic but not dramatically so. Adult males are almost entirely glossy black. The sides of the bases of their tail feathers are bright yellow. Their wings' greater coverts have yellow tips and the flight feathers have wide yellow bands across their bases. Their vent and undertail coverts are bright yellow. Adult females have slightly browner upperparts than males. The yellow parts of their tail and wings are paler than those of males. Voice: The black siskin's song is not well known but appears to be similar to that of the yellow-rumped siskin (S. uropygialis). The species sings from a perch atop a bush or tree and also in flight. Its calls are mostly given in flight and include "a descending tew, chew, and a hew-li?".

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Hugo Hulsberg · cc0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Andean Siskin and Black Siskin.