The Mindanao serin is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae.
Region
Mindanao, southern Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane and mossy forest, forest edges, and adjacent grassy or shrubby clearings. It uses ridgelines, landslides, and disturbed patches where grasses and composites set seed. Birds may wander locally to flowering or seeding stands and sometimes visit scrubby farmland near intact forest. Breeding is thought to occur in dense vegetation within or near mossy forest.
Altitude Range
1200–2900 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Mindanao serin is a small mountain finch restricted to the highlands of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. It frequents forest edges and open montane vegetation where seeding plants are abundant. Outside the breeding season it often joins small, lively flocks. Its taxonomy has been revised, with many authorities placing it in the genus Chrysocorythus rather than Serinus.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
undulating with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in small flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other small seedeaters. Breeding pairs are likely territorial around nest sites, placing neat cup nests in dense shrubs or small trees. Clutches are small, and both parents are presumed to feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, twittering series of trills and tinkling notes delivered from a perch or in short song-flights. Calls are thin, high-pitched 'tsit' and buzzy twitters used to keep contact in flocks.
Plumage
Compact finch with finely streaked brown-olive upperparts and brighter yellow tones on the face and underparts, especially in males. Wings are dark with contrasting yellow edging and wingbars; tail is dusky with pale fringes. Females and immatures are duller and more heavily streaked below.
Diet
Primarily takes small seeds from grasses, herbs, and composite plants. Also consumes buds and soft plant matter when available. During the breeding season it supplements with small insects and other arthropods to provide protein for nestlings. Foraging is mainly by gleaning and picking seed heads, occasionally sallying short distances.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, grassy slopes, and shrublands within montane zones. It favors areas with abundant seeding plants and scattered bushes that provide cover and perches.
