18-5-2016 TURIA GARDENS, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN SERIN (Serinus serinus)

The European Serin is a rare passage visitor to the UK, with pairs occasionally breeding in southern England and the Channel Islands. This small finch favours coniferous woodlands but will also make use of farmland, parks and gardens, with their loud abrasive song usually the first indication of their presence. They breed across the Middle East, and Central Europe, where they are partially migratory.

These stunning yellow finches are a very rare sight in the UK. Both males and females have streaky bright yellow and brown backs, wings and flanks and a forked tail. Their bellies are yellow/white in colour which becomes bright yellow on their breast. Males have bright yellow heads with black feathers on their crowns and cheeks, while females have slightly duller colouration on their heads. The bright yellow colouration of the males helps the females choose a mate as brighter plumage is an indicator of a healthy male.

This species has a large breeding range, with some occasionally breeding in the UK. The breeding season begins in February and ends in August. The female builds a nest which is located off the ground in a bush or tree. 3-4 eggs are laid and incubated for 12-13 days by the female alone. Once hatched the chicks are fed by both parents for a further 15-18 days until they leave the nest. They will rely on their parents for another 9-10 days.

This species is listed as least concern around the world but the small population in the UK means it has not been accessed. There are not many known conservation concerns for this species but its preference for coniferous forest means that the loss of this habitat could drive population declines. Due to their colourful plumage, this bird is sought after in the wildlife trade. If they become more popular, this could drive declines in the population.