pine siskin

noun

1. a small, North American finch, Carduelis pinus, of coniferous forests, having yellow markings on the wings and tail.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pine siskin¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

He told her that numerous pine siskins — a type of migratory finch — have been dying of salmonellosis this winter.

From Washington Post

Their flight and song is similar to that of the Goldfinch or Pine Siskin.

From Project Gutenberg

Another field-mark was a light patch over each eye, and we identified the first and largest flock of pine siskin of the year.

From Project Gutenberg