The yellow-rumped seedeater, yellow-rumped serin or Abyssinian yellow-rumped seedeater is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is native to the Ethiopian Highlands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.
Region
Horn of Africa
Typical Environment
Found across the Ethiopian Highlands, extending locally into adjacent Eritrea. It favors dry montane scrub, open bushland, and lightly wooded slopes with scattered acacias and junipers. The species also uses edges of cultivation, village outskirts, and rocky hillsides where seed-bearing grasses and herbs are abundant. It typically keeps close to cover but will descend to open ground to feed.
Altitude Range
1200–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the yellow-rumped serin or Abyssinian yellow-rumped seedeater, this small finch is confined to the Ethiopian Highlands. It was formerly placed in the genus Serinus but is now in Crithagra based on genetic studies. Its bright yellow rump is a key field mark when it flies between bushes. It often forages in small flocks and may visit gardens and farms.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with an undulating finch-like flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs during the breeding season and in small flocks or loose groups at other times. Nests are small cup-shaped structures placed in shrubs or low trees. The species is presumed monogamous, with both parents attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A fast, tinkling series of trills and twitters typical of serins, delivered from a perch or in short display flights. Calls include high, buzzy notes and thin seee chips used to keep contact within flocks.
Plumage
Brownish, finely streaked upperparts with paler, lightly streaked underparts; contrasty bright yellow rump. Subtle pale wingbars and a faint pale supercilium are often visible. The feathering is sleek with fine streaking rather than spots.
Diet
Primarily granivorous, taking grass and weed seeds, including from thistles and other seed heads. It also nips buds and small plant matter and may occasionally take tiny insects, especially when feeding nestlings. Foraging is mainly by gleaning from seed heads and picking items from the ground.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along scrubby slopes, field margins, and rocky clearings with ample seed-bearing plants. It readily uses disturbed habitats and the edges of cultivation where weeds are plentiful.
