Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus
Flight call description A quick, harsh "chu-tu-tu-tu", a strident, emphatic "klee-you", and a rising, nasal "waaaee" are the most common flight calls. Also gives a short "chit". Occasionally given in flight, but more typically from a treetop, is a long, rising, buzzy "zreeeeeeee".
Fig.1. Minnesota November 26, 2000 (WRE).
"Chu-tu-tu-tu" call from bird in flight.
Fig.2. Minnesota November 27, 2000 (WRE).
"Klee-you" call from bird in flight.
Fig.3. Minnesota November 27, 2000 (WRE).
"Waaaee" call from bird in flight.
Fig.4. Minnesota November 26, 2000 (WRE).
"Chit" call from bird in flight.
Examples
Diurnal calling sequences:
1. Minnesota November 27, 2000 (WRE). Variety of call types from flying birds.
2. Minnesota November 26, 2000 (WRE). "Chu-tu-tu-tu", "chit", and "klee-you" calls from flying birds.
3. Minnesota November 26, 2000 (WRE). Variety of call types from flying birds.
4. Minnesota November 26, 2000 (WRE). "Chu-tu-tu-tu" calls from perched bird.
5. Colorado July 27, 2001 (MO). "Klee-you" calls from bird in flight.
6. New Jersey November 4, 2001 (MO). Variety of calls from several perched birds with Yellow-rumped Warbler, Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch, American Goldfinch, and Northern Mockingbird calling in the background.
7. New Jersey November 12, 2001 (MO). "Klee-you" and "waaaee" calls from bird in flight with American Goldfinch calling in the background.
8. Colorado May 7, 1990 (WRE). "Zreeeeeeee" call amid chatter from perched flock.
Similar species "Waaaee" call similar to "duraaai" call of redpolls but longer, smoother, and more distinctly rising. See American Goldfinch.
Behavior Thought to be primarily a diurnal migrant but begins movement well before sunrise. Gives flight call regularly while perched and in flight during the day. Not known to give flight call at night but does call in the hour before sunrise.