Syrian Serin

The Syrian serin, a small passerine bird adorned with bright yellow and pale grey plumage, graces the finch family with its presence. Its eyes, encircled by a vivid yellow ring, stand out against its delicate features. The bird's beak is a muted grey, while its legs boast a soft pinkish-grey hue.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Syrian serin, look for its bright yellow eye-ring and the contrasting pale grey and yellow feathers. The bird's grey beak and pinkish-grey legs are also distinctive features that can aid in its identification.

Habitat

This species is known to favor rocky terrains interspersed with oak and coniferous shrubs or trees. It can also be found in grasslands and fields, which provide ample feeding opportunities.

Distribution

The Syrian serin breeds at altitudes ranging from 900 to 1,900 meters in the countries of Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. During the winter months, the Jordanian population remains local, while those from Lebanon, Israel, and Syria embark on migrations to Egypt, Turkey, and Iraq.

Behaviour

The Syrian serin is a bird that exhibits local movements in Jordan during winter, while populations from other regions migrate to warmer climates. It is often seen in grasslands and fields, busily foraging for seeds.

Song & Calls

This charming bird communicates with a long trilling call and is also known to chirp and twitter, adding a melodic backdrop to its natural habitat.

Breeding

In the breeding season, males engage in a song display to woo their mates. Nest building occurs in trees after the snow begins to melt, typically in April or May. The female then lays four pale blue, glossy eggs and incubates them for about 12 to 14 days. Fledging occurs swiftly, within 14 to 16 days, and parents may ascend to higher altitudes to produce a second clutch in July and August. When conditions are favorable, they can produce up to three broods in a year. However, in southwest Jordan, most pairs breed only once due to the lack of suitable habitat at higher elevations.

Diet and Feeding

The Syrian serin's diet primarily consists of seeds from annual plants and grasses. In the winter months in Southwestern Jordan, it particularly favors the seeds of Artemisia.

Conservation Status

The IUCN has classified the Syrian serin as Vulnerable. The species faces a declining population, attributed to factors such as logging, livestock production, and hunting.