About Serinus pusillus (Pallas, 1811)
The red-fronted serin, also called the fire-fronted serin (Serinus pusillus), is a small passerine bird that belongs to the finch family Fringillidae. It favors high mountain habitats, and measures 11–12 cm (4.3–4.7 in) in length. This species breeds in the Caucasus, and in the higher mountains of Turkey and Iran. Vagrant individuals occasionally reach the Greek Eastern Aegean Islands during winter. It also occurs in Ladakh and other areas of the Indian Himalayas. Outside of the breeding season, this bird lives in small flocks, and is typically observed foraging in thistle patches. It is a popular cage bird, and captive escapees are occasionally found across Europe. Its plumage is variable; adult individuals look very similar to dark redpolls. Adults have sooty foreparts and a red forehead, while juveniles have buff-brown heads. Its call is a rapid, shrill "titihihihihihi" that resembles the call of a linnet. This bird will breed successfully in captivity, and thrives on a diet of canary grass seed, millet, and other small seeds. If water is available, they bathe every day.
