Fauna
Bird

European Serin

Serinus serinus

Also 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
European Serin reference
Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyDandelion seeds, Birch buds, Chickweed seeds
Predators
  • Eurasian Sparrowhawk
  • Domestic Cat
  • Feral Cat
ThreatsHabitat loss, agricultural intensification, and pesticide use
HabitatsOpen woodlands, parks, gardens, orchards, and agricultural edges
Life span2 to 5 years
Classification
  1. OrderPasseriformes
  2. FamilyFringillidae
  3. GenusSerinus
  4. SpeciesSerinus serinus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • 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.
Related species
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