| Red-fronted Serin | ||||||||||||||
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| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||
| Serinus pusillus |
The Red-fronted Serin is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae. It prefers high mountain regions and is 11-12cm long.
This bird breeds in the Caucasus and parts of Turkey, although occasionally spotted as far north as Britain. Outside the breeding season, it occurs in small flocks, typically seen searching through thistle patches.
The bird is variable in plumage, with adults closely resembling redpolls. The foreparts are sooty and the forehead is red; juveniles have buff-brown heads. The call is a rapid, shrill "titihihihihihi", resembling that of a Linnet.
The bird will breed in captivity and thrives on a diet of canary grass seed, millet, and other small seeds. They bathe daily if water is accessible.