Pine Siskin (Spinus) [XC72142]
by Richard E Webster from Observatorio area, Sierra San Pedro Martir, Baja California, Mexico (call)
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) [XC602047]
by Isain Contreras Rodr\u00edguez from Wilton, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, United States (call)
Subspecies
Thought to form a superspecies with Eurasian Siskin (Spinus spinus) and Black-capped Siskin (Spinus atriceps). Recent phylogenetic analysis indicates that this species and Eurasian Siskin (Spinus spinus), at least, are only distantly related to the South American group of siskins, and has recently been suggested that they be separated in genus Spinus, but comprehensive review is required of all species currently included within present genus in order to determine true relationships. Subspecies perplexa hybridizes with Black-capped Siskin (Spinus atriceps), progeny showing intermediate characters (but having bill of present species). The two may be conspecific, but extent of reproductive isolation requires further research. Has also hybridized with Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra). Geographical variation largely clinal.
The following 3 subspecies are recognised:
pinus (Wilson, 1810) - Breeds central-southern and south-eastern Alaska, Canada (southern from southern Yukon, central Manitoba and central Ontario, east to central and southern Quebec and Newfoundland) and western and north-eastern USA. Non-breeding south to northern and east-central Mexico.
macropterus (Bonaparte, 1850) - Northern Baja California and north-western and central Mexico (east to Veracruz).
perplexus (van Rossem, 1938) - Southern Mexico (northern and central Chiapas) and western Guatemala.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet