Serin
Least ConcernSerinus serinus
Visual Identification
Serin
Appearance
The Serin is a small, compact finch with a short, stubby bill. Males display bright yellow-green plumage on the face, throat, and breast, contrasting with brown-streaked upperparts. Their wings feature distinctive yellow wing bars.
Females are duller, with more subdued yellows and heavier streaking. Both sexes have forked tails and brownish-pink legs. Juveniles resemble females but have even less yellow colouration. During winter, both sexes' plumage becomes slightly duller.
Size
Length
11cm to 12cm
Wingspan
20cm to 23cm
Weight
10g to 15g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Serins inhabit a wide range of open habitats across Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East. They prefer areas with scattered trees, such as open woodlands, orchards, parks, and gardens.
In winter, many northern populations move southward, while those in southern Europe and North Africa tend to be resident. In the UK, Serins are rare visitors, mainly observed along the south and east coasts during migration periods.
Reports of UK breeding pairs are sporadic, with only one or two pairs noted each year. These sightings are limited to eastern and southern England, Devon, Dorset, Sussex and East Anglia, and occasionally on the Channel Islands.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Mediterranean
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Serins primarily feed on small seeds from various plants, including grasses, dandelions, and thistles.
They supplement their diet with buds, young leaves, and occasionally small insects, including spiders, larvae and grasshoppers, especially during the breeding season when feeding their young.
Behaviour
Serins are active and agile birds, often seen flitting between branches or hopping on the ground. They frequently gather in small flocks, especially outside the breeding season.
When feeding, Serins can be observed hanging upside down on seed heads, showcasing their acrobatic skills.
Vocalisation
Unlike the tuneful melody of their close cousin, the canary, the Serin's song is a rapid, high-pitched trill, often described as sounding like a tiny bell or a bunch of jangling keys. It's typically delivered from a prominent perch or during flight. Their call is a soft, plaintive 'tsi-tsi' or 'tsilip'.
The delicate rapid notes, sung almost exclusively by the male, can be heard all year round, although less frequently in autumn and winter.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Serins typically begins in April and can last until August. Males perform elaborate flight displays to attract females, singing while flying in wide circles.
Nests are small, neat cups made of fine twigs, grass, and moss, lined with feathers and plant down. They are usually placed in the outer branches of trees or shrubs. Females lay 3-4 pale blue eggs with dark spots.
Incubation lasts about 13 days, carried out by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 15-18 days. Pairs often raise two or three broods per season.
Lifespan
The Serin typically lives for 2 to 3 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 13.3 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Serin is currently listed as Least Concern, some local populations have experienced declines due to habitat loss and agricultural intensification.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining diverse habitats and promoting wildlife-friendly farming practices in their range.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Serins in open woodlands, parks, and gardens with scattered trees
- Listen for their high-pitched, rapid-trilling song, often delivered from treetops
- Observe feeders in urban areas, where they may visit for seeds
- In the UK, focus on southern coastal areas during spring and autumn migrations
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
European Serin
Family:
FringillidaePredators
Serins are preyed upon by various small raptors such as Sparrowhawks and Merlins, as well as domestic cats in urban areas.
Did You Know?
- Serins are one of the smallest finches in Europe.
- Their scientific name, Serinus serinus, is an example of a tautonym, where the genus and species names are identical.
- In some regions, Serins have adapted well to urban environments and can be common in city parks and gardens.
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FAQs
How to pronounce Serin
The species name comes from ‘serin’, the French word for a canary. It’s pronounced ‘seh-rin’.
Similar Birds
References
- 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Serinus serinus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22720049A132136209.
View source - 4
report, 2015: EBCC
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source