The red-fronted serin or fire-fronted serin is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae. It prefers high mountain regions and is 11–12 cm (4.3–4.7 in) long.
Region
Caucasus to Himalayas
Typical Environment
Found from eastern Turkey and the Caucasus through northern Iran and Central Asia to the Himalayas and western China. It favors open, rocky habitats including alpine meadows, scree slopes, and juniper or dwarf willow scrub near the treeline. During winter it descends to valleys, steppe edges, and village outskirts where seeds are abundant. Nesting typically occurs on cliffs, in crevices, or low shrubs, often near rugged terrain with sparse tree cover.
Altitude Range
1500–4500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The red-fronted (fire-fronted) serin is a high-mountain finch whose bright orange-red forehead stands out against its dark, streaked body. It often forms small flocks outside the breeding season and performs altitudinal movements to lower slopes in winter. Adapted to thin air and cold, it frequents rocky slopes, alpine meadows, and juniper scrub. Its tinkling, twittering song carries well in open mountain terrain.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
undulating with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often in small flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes joining mixed finch groups. Pairs nest in cliffs or low shrubs, building a compact cup nest. Both parents contribute to feeding the young, and family groups may remain together for some time after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A high, tinkling series of twitters and trills delivered from a perch or in brief display flights. Calls include thin tseep notes and soft twittering contact calls that help maintain flock cohesion.
Plumage
Sooty-brown, heavily streaked plumage with a pale wing panel; males show a vivid red to orange-red forehead and sometimes chin, contrasting with the dark head and body. Underparts are brownish with fine streaking, and the rump can be slightly paler.
Diet
Primarily consumes small seeds of alpine herbs, grasses, and weeds, including thistles and plantain. Supplements diet with buds and soft plant material, especially in early spring. During the breeding season it may take small invertebrates to provide protein for nestlings.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on open ground, rocky slopes, and meadow edges, often gleaning seeds from seedheads or the ground. Also visits scrubby areas with juniper or dwarf willow and may forage near human settlements in winter.
