Convervation status: Amber

Latin name

Serinus serinus

Family

Finches (Fringillidae)

Overview

Serins are small finches with short stubby bills and forked tails. Both sexes have streaky yellow brown upper parts, paler streaked under parts and lemon yellow rumps. Males have bright yellow heads with darker patches on the crown and below the eye, females and juveniles are much duller. They have been recorded annually in the UK in small numbers since the 1960s and have bred sporadically since the 1970s (Devon, Dorset, Sussex, East Anglia and the Jersey) but no more than one or two pairs a year.

Where to see them

Records of serin have almost entirely been from southern and eastern England, but they have never been present in large numbers.

When to see them

Most records are in April and May, although it has been recorded in the UK in all months.

What they eat

Seeds, buds and small invertebrates.

Estimated numbers

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Sound: Patrik Aberg, Xeno-canto

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Serin - male

Serin - female