Red-fronted Serin

Overview

The red-fronted serin, or fire-fronted serin (Serinus pusillus), is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Size is 11–12 cm (4.3–4.7 in).
• Adults have sooty foreparts with a red forehead, resembling very dark redpolls, while juveniles have buff-brown heads.
• The call is a rapid, shrill "titihihihihihi", resembling that of a Linnet.

Habitat

This species prefers high mountain regions, breeding in the Caucasus and the higher mountains of Turkey, Iran, and the Indian Himalayas. Vagrants occasionally reach the Greek Eastern Aegean Islands in winter.

Diet

It thrives on a diet of canary grass seed, millet, and other small seeds. Outside the breeding season, it is typically seen in small flocks searching through thistle patches.

Did you know?

Escapees from captivity are occasionally found throughout Europe.