The European serin, or simply the serin, is the smallest species of the family of finches (Fringillidae) and is closely related to the Atlantic canary. Its diet consists mainly of a combination of buds and seeds.
Region
Europe and Mediterranean Basin
Typical Environment
Widespread across southern and central Europe, with highest densities around the Mediterranean. Occupies open woodlands, farmland with scattered trees, orchards, vineyards, and urban green spaces. Also uses scrubby edges, hedgerows, and weedy lots where seed plants are abundant. Winters in milder areas, with northern breeders moving southward.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The European serin is the smallest European finch and a close relative of the Atlantic canary. Males deliver a rapid, buzzy, tinkling song from treetops and aerial display flights. It adapts well to human-altered landscapes, frequently breeding in orchards, gardens, and urban parks. Cup-shaped nests are placed in trees or tall shrubs, typically with 3–5 eggs.
Egg, collection of the Museum Wiesbaden, Germany
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, undulating flight
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forms small to large flocks, often mixed with other finches. During breeding, pairs defend a small area around the nest while foraging more widely. The nest is a neat cup of grasses and plant fibers lined with softer materials; 1–2 broods are common.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A fast, high-pitched, tinkling jumble of trills and buzzes, delivered persistently from exposed perches. Flight song is similar but more continuous and given during fluttering display flights.
Plumage
Fine streaking over greenish-brown upperparts and streaked underparts; males show brighter yellow on face, breast, and rump with two pale wing bars.
Diet
Primarily seeds and buds from herbaceous plants and trees, including dandelions, thistles, and other composites. Feeds on grass seeds and weed seeds in weedy plots and field margins. In the breeding season, may include tiny invertebrates or soft plant matter to provision nestlings.
Preferred Environment
Weedy fields, roadsides, fallow plots, and orchard or vineyard margins where seed-bearing plants are plentiful. Frequently visits parks and gardens to forage on the ground and in low vegetation.
