serins

Serins are small passerine birds in the genus Serinus, within the family Fringillidae. They are seed-eaters found across the Old World, with species occurring from Europe and North Africa to parts of the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa. The genus includes several species, the best known being the European serin (Serinus serinus) and the canary, Serinus canaria. The wild canary is native to the Canary Islands and has been widely kept and bred as a pet bird.

Description and plumage vary by species but serins generally have slender bodies, short conical bills, and olive-green or gray-green upperparts. Many species show yellow or ochre coloration on the underparts or in the plumage of breeding males, while females and non-breeding birds are typically duller. They produce soft, pleasant songs and chip notes.

Habitat and behavior vary, but serins are commonly found in open woodlands, scrub, hedgerows, and cultivated areas. Outside the breeding season they often form small flocks. They forage mainly on seeds, but may take buds and occasional insects, especially during the breeding period. Nesting occurs in shrubs or low trees, with a neat cup-shaped nest and a clutch of several eggs; incubation and fledging periods are similar across species but can vary.

Conservation status is generally favorable for many species, though some island-endemic serins have restricted ranges and face habitat loss or trapping pressures. Serins are notable for their broad distribution, seed-based diet, and role in diverse Old World ecosystems.