Red Siskin Carduelis/Spinus cucullata

Red Siskin
Red Siskin male
Red Siskin
The Red Siskin, is native to northwestern South America. The male (above) has deep red plumage with black and white markings, a black head and a white lower belly.
Red Siskin
Red Siskin male
Red Siskin
The female (not shown) is a plainer, muted reddish grey version with a grey head. Like other siskins, they form flocks.
Red Siskin
Red Siskin male
Red Siskin
Populations have been decimated by trapping for the cage bird trade. The melodious song of the male has also led to captive hybridisation with canaries to produce red canary hybrids.