The Breakfast Club Brawl: Tiny Vikings at the Tray
There’s a reason a group of siskins is sometimes called a “scolding.” While they might look like delicate, charming little finches, put a tray of sunflower hearts in front of them, and they transform into tiny, feathered gladiators.
A Name with Northern Roots
The name “siskin” actually has a bit of a northern pedigree. It’s thought to be Norwegian in origin (from sisik), likely echoing the “tsiz-zik” sound they make. Watching them guard a pile of seeds with such intensity, it’s not hard to imagine them as tiny, winged Vikings defending a very small, very seedy territory.
The Seasonal Squatters
These particular scrappers have been making themselves at home here since November. They’ve spent the winter treating the balcony like an all-you-can-eat buffet, but their residency is coming to an end. As the weather improves and the call of the north grows louder, they’ll soon pack their bags (or just their bellies) and migrate back to their breeding grounds. In the clip, you can see the social hierarchy—or lack thereof—in full swing:
- The Gape: Opening their beaks wide to look as intimidating as a 12-gram bird can possibly be.
- The Wing-Flick: A “get off my lawn” gesture used to reclaim a spot they never actually left.
- The Hectic Buffet: Trying to swallow as much as possible before the next aerial intruder arrives.
It’s been a pleasure hosting the gang, even if they aren’t exactly the most polite guests. I’ll miss the chaos once they head north, but for now, the “Breakfast Club” brawl continues.
If you enjoyed these scrappy Siskins, you can find more of my bird feeder antics over on my YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@Catsandbirdsandstuff