Serin
Serinus serinus (Linnaeus, 1766)
NS
SERIN
16400
Family: Passeriformes > Fringillidae
![Serin, Philip Croft Serin, Philip Croft](https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/birdfacts/00468_Serin_Philip%20Croft.jpg)
This small finch is typically a scarce visitor to the UK. Pairs occasionally breed in southern England and the Channel Islands.
These streaky yellow finches can often be pinpointed by their loud, scratchy song. Their breeding range extends across southern, central and eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. In northern parts of the breeding range, the species is partially migratory.
Serins are associated with coniferous woodland habitats, as well as agricultural areas, parks and gardens. They feed on seeds, buds, flowers and small invertebrates.
Identification
Serin identification is sometimes difficult. The following article may help when identifying Serin.
Identifying Green finches in your garden
![](https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/styles/related_content_view/public/shared_images/bird_id_videos/bto-bird-id-green-finches-your-garden.jpg?itok=JBakibHA)
Not all green finches are Greenfinches. There are a number of green and yellow finches that visit garden feeders, some common, some much more rare. Let us help you to discover the identity of an unfamiliar visitor - is it a Serin - or is it one of the more likely culprits?
SONGS AND CALLS
Listen to example recordings of the main vocalisations of Serin, provided by xeno-canto contributors.
Flight call
Song
Develop your bird ID skills with our training courses
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Population size and trends and patterns of distribution based on BTO surveys and atlases with data collected by BTO volunteers.
CONSERVATION STATUS
This species can be found on the following statutory and conservation listings and schedules.
DISTRIBUTION
With a slowly expanding European range the Serin has been long predicted as a potential colonist of the UK. It has, however, remained a rare breeder. No confirmed breeding was recorded during 2008–11
Occupied 10-km squares in UK
No. occupied in breeding season | 5 |
% occupied in breeding season | 0.2 |
No. occupied in winter | 12 |
% occupied in winter | 0.4 |
European Distribution Map
DISTRIBUTION CHANGE
Change in occupied 10-km squares in the UK
% change in range in breeding season (1968–72 to 2008–11) | -16.7% |
% change in range in winter (1981–84 to 2007–11) | +100% |
SEASONALITY
Serin is a scarce passage migrant and winter visitor.
Movement
Information about movement and migration based on online bird portals (e.g. BirdTrack), Ringing schemes and tracking studies.
An overview of year-round movements for the whole of Europe can be seen on the EuroBirdPortal viewer.
RINGING RECOVERIES
View a summary of recoveries in the Online Ringing Report.
Biology
Lifecycle and body size information about Serin, including statistics on nesting, eggs and lifespan based on BTO ringing and nest recording data.
SURVIVAL & LONGEVITY
View number ringed each year in the Online Ringing Report
Typical Lifespan ![]() |
3 years with breeding typically at 1 year |
Adult Survival ![]() |
0.6±0.08 ![]() ![]() |
BIOMETRICS
Wing Length ![]() |
Adults | 70.9±2.2 | Range 67–74mm, N=48 |
Juveniles | 71.4±2.7 | Range 68-75.5mm, N=34 | |
Females | 69.8±1.6 | Range 67–72mm, N=28 |
Body Weight ![]() |
Adults | 11.1±1.02 | Range 9.30–13.0g, N=48 |
Juveniles | 11.1±1.0211 | Range 9.60–12.7g, N=34 | |
Females | 11.0±0.96 | Range 9.70–12.8g, N=28 |
Feather measurements and photos on featherbase
CODES & CLASSIFICATION
Ring size ![]() |
AA |
Field Codes ![]() |
2-letter: NS | 5-letter code: SERIN | Euring: 16400 |
For information in another language (where available) click on a linked name
Links to more information from ConservationEvidence.com
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