European serin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids European serin
Male
Female both Souss-Massa National Park, Morocco
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Serinus
Species:	serinus
Range of S. serinus     Breeding      Resident      Non-breeding
Synonyms
Fringilla serinus Linnaeus, 1766

The European serin is a tiny bird, also known simply as the serin. It belongs to the finch family, which includes birds like the Atlantic canary. This little bird mainly eats buds and seeds.

About the Serin's Name

The European serin got its scientific name from Carl Linnaeus. He was a famous scientist who named many living things. In 1766, he called this bird Fringilla serinus.

The word serinus comes from the French word "serin." This French word means "canary." It might even come from the Latin word citrinus, which means "lemon-coloured." This makes sense because of the bird's yellow feathers!

What Does the Serin Look Like?

The European serin is a small bird. It has a short tail and is about 11 to 12 centimeters long. Its back feathers are greyish-green with dark streaks. It has a bright yellow patch on its lower back, called the rump.

Its chest is yellow, and its belly is white. Both of these areas have many dark streaks. Male serins are usually brighter. They have a more vibrant yellow face and chest. They also have yellow stripes on their wings and yellow on the sides of their tail.

Serin's Song

This bird has a very special song. It sounds like a buzzing trill. If you visit Mediterranean countries, you will often hear this unique sound.

Where Do Serins Live?

European serins live and breed across southern and central Europe. They also live in North Africa. Birds living near the Atlantic coast usually stay in the same place all year. However, serins from northern areas fly south for the winter. This journey is called migration.

Serin Homes

These birds like to build their nests in open woodlands. They also enjoy areas with farms and some conifer trees. They build their nests in shrubs or trees. Female serins usually lay 3 to 5 eggs.

Outside of the breeding season, serins often gather in groups. Sometimes, they even join flocks with other types of finches.

What Do Serins Eat?

The European serin mainly eats seeds. During the breeding season, they also eat insects. This small bird is very active. It is often easy to spot in its habitat.

An egg from a European serin, part of a collection at the Museum Wiesbaden, Germany