Species · GBIF taxon 2494200
European Serin
Serinus serinusAlso known as Serin, Common Serin
European serins are tiny, energetic finches known for their rapid, sizzling songs that sound like bubbling water or glass beads rubbing together. They frequently sing from high, exposed perches such as telephone wires or the topmost branches of conifers. During the breeding season, males perform fluttering, bat-like display flights to defend their territories and attract mates.
SongbirdActiveConifer-loving
Licensed referenceCharles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Mainly seeds and buds, supplemented occasionally with small insects
- family
- Fringillidae
- threats
- Habitat loss, agricultural intensification, and pesticide use
- life Span
- 2 to 5 years
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Listen for the song: Scan the tops of tall trees and telephone wires for their distinctive, fast-paced, sizzling song.
- Provide water: They are frequent visitors to garden birdbaths, especially during dry summer months.
- Look for display flights: Watch for the male's slow, fluttering, bat-like flight during spring courtship.