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Overview
Syrian serin

Syrian serin

Wikipedia

The Syrian serin is a brightly coloured small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae.

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Distribution

Region

Levant

Typical Environment

The Syrian serin occupies rocky and open montane habitats with scattered trees and bushes, including juniper, pistachio, cypress, and traditional orchards. It favors edges of open woodland, scrubby slopes, cultivated clearings, and areas near cliffs or wadis. In winter it descends to lower, drier steppe and agricultural zones, often near water sources. It can form small flocks outside the breeding season and may use orchards and weedy fields to forage.

Altitude Range

300–1800 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size11–12 cm
Wing Span20–22 cm
Male Weight0.014 kg
Female Weight0.012 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

The Syrian serin is a brightly coloured small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae, with males showing vivid yellow tones. It breeds in upland areas of the Levant and moves to lower elevations in winter. The species is threatened by habitat degradation from overgrazing, logging, and disturbance, and benefits from protection of montane woodlands and traditional orchards.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with undulating flight

Social Behavior

Outside the breeding season it gathers in small flocks that forage and move together between feeding sites. During breeding it is loosely colonial or forms small neighborhood groups, with pairs nesting in trees or tall shrubs. Nests are compact cups, and both parents attend to the young.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

A high, tinkling series of twitters and trills, delivered in rapid phrases. Males sing from exposed perches or in fluttering song flights. Calls include thin, sibilant notes used to keep contact in flocks.

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