21-4-2016 GANDIA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN SERIN (MALE) (Serinus serinus)

The European serin (Serinus serinus) is the smallest member species of the family of finches. It is closely related to the Atlantic canary.

The European serin is a small short-tailed bird. The upper parts are dark-streaked greyish green, with a yellow rump. The yellow breast and white belly are also heavily streaked. The male has a brighter yellow face and breast, yellow wing bars, and yellow tail sides.

These birds breed across southern and central Europe and North Africa. Southern and Atlantic coast populations are largely resident, but the northern breeders migrate further south in Europe for the winter. Serins prefer to breed in open woodland and cultivated areas, often with some conifers.

Population size

46.5-70 Mln

Weight

8.5-14

goz

g oz 

Length

11-12

cminch

cm inch 

Wingspan

18-20

cminch

When not breeding European serins are usually seen alone or in pares and also form flocks, sometimes mixed with other finches. They are active and often conspicuous birds. They spend their day walking or hopping on the ground in search of food. They also feed in trees and bushes. The song of European serins is a buzzing trill, very familiar in Mediterranean countries.

European serins suffer from habitat loss but are not threatened at present.