European Serin

Serinus serinus

Genus · Typical Serins and Allies Family · Finches, Euphonias, and Allies

Observation tips Difficulty: EASY

Best time

🕒 Any

Activity

☀️ Diurnal

Best months

Observation habitat

Bird feederCanopy foliageUtility wires

Look for a tiny bird with a bright yellow rump. Listen for the 'sizzling' song delivered from a high, exposed perch.

♂ Male · ♀ Female

Stats

Wingspan20–23 cm

Weight10–14 g

Length11–12 cm

Lifespan wild2–9 yrs

Size

Nesting

Nest typeCup

Clutch size3–5 eggs

Incubation12–13 days

Breeding months

Regional Status (Europe)

Least Concern (Europe)

IUCN Red List

MigrationPartial migratory

Social BehaviourFlocking

Diet: Granivore

🦗Insects

🍃Plants

🌻Seeds

Habitat

🚜 Farmland🌲 Forest coniferous🏡 Garden🍎 Orchard🏙️ Urban

✦ Fun Fact

The Serin's song is so fast and high-pitched that it is often compared to the sound of a cicada or a tiny mechanical alarm clock.

About

The smallest European finch and a close relative of the Canary. It is a tiny, streaky bird with a very short, stubby bill. It favors orchards, parks, and gardens with conifers. Originally a Mediterranean species, it has expanded its range across Europe. It is a social bird often seen in small twittering flocks.

Behaviour

The male Serin sings from the very top of trees or antennas. Its song is a rapid, high-pitched twittering sequence of notes. In flight, they show a bright yellow rump. They primarily feed on small seeds from weeds and trees.

Sexual Dimorphism

♂ Male

Bright lemon-yellow on the forehead, breast, and rump. His back and flanks are heavily streaked with dark brown.

♀ Female

Duller and more heavily streaked. She has only a faint wash of yellow on her breast and rump. She appears much more grey-brown.

Similar species

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