The Arabian serin or olive-rumped serin, is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is native to the Sarawat Mountains of western Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.
Region
Southwest Arabian Peninsula
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Sarawat Mountains from western Saudi Arabia south into Yemen. It favors montane juniper and acacia woodlands, rocky slopes, wadis, and nearby terraced agriculture. Birds often use shrub edges and open patches for feeding while retreating to trees and cliffs for roosting and nesting. The species is localized but can be fairly common where suitable habitat persists.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the olive-rumped serin, this small finch is confined to the highlands of western Saudi Arabia and Yemen. It frequents juniper woodlands and terraced fields, often forming small flocks outside the breeding season. The species was formerly placed in the genus Serinus but is now in Crithagra based on genetic studies.
Temperament
social and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating hops between perches
Social Behavior
Often in pairs during breeding and small flocks otherwise, sometimes joining mixed finch groups. Nests are compact cups placed in shrubs or small trees, using grasses and plant fibers. Likely monogamous, with both parents attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, twittering series of trills and tinkling notes delivered from exposed perches. Calls include thin seee and rapid chirps used to keep contact in flocks.
Plumage
Small, streaked finch with brownish-olive upperparts and fine darker streaking; underparts pale with streaked breast. The rump shows a distinctive olive wash, and the wings have subtle pale edges. Overall appearance is muted and well-camouflaged in dry woodland.
Diet
Primarily takes small seeds from grasses, herbs, and weedy plants. It also consumes buds and green shoots when available. During breeding it may add small insects to provide protein for nestlings. Foraging is mostly on or near the ground and in low shrubs.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along woodland edges, terraced fields, and rocky slopes with scattered shrubs and trees. Often uses seed-rich patches near agriculture and then retreats to nearby trees for safety.
