European Serin

The European Serin, or just Serin, Serinus serinus, is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae.

This bird breeds 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. This species will form flocks outside the breeding season, often mixed with siskins and other finches.

Open woodland and cultivation, preferably with some conifers, is favoured for breeding. It builds its nest in a conifer or citrus tree, laying 3-5 eggs.

The food is mainly seeds, and, in the breeding season, insects. This small serin is an active and often conspicuous bird.

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. The song of this bird is a buzzing trill, very familiar in Mediterranean countries.