Serins in France
When the Serin (Serinus serinus) is present in France, when it nests, and which native France plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in France
- Resident all year
- Nesting season
- April–July
- Size
- 11.5 cm, 11 g
- Nest box
- Does not use enclosed boxes
When to expect serins in France
The Serin lives in France all year round. Mild in the west and south; hard frosts in the north-east and mountains.
Oceanic in the west, continental in the east, Mediterranean along the south coast and Alpine in the mountains.
Nesting in France
In France the Serin usually nests April–July. Nest site: cup in trees. Clutches are 3–4 eggs, incubated for 12–13 days; chicks fledge after 14–16 days, and pairs raise 2 per year.
- The Serin does not use enclosed nest boxes — dense native shrubs and climbers give it nest sites.
- Avoid cutting hedges during the nesting season (roughly March to August) — in the UK, disturbing an active nest is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Native France plants for serins
Of the native plants we track for France, these 4 provide food the Serin uses:
Goldfinches extract the seeds from standing heads in autumn and winter.
Seed heads for Goldfinches and a nectar source for insects.
Catkin seed for Siskins and Redpolls; many caterpillars for tit broods.
Cones hold seed that Siskins and Goldfinches feed on all winter.
Feeding in the garden
Small seeds.
- Best foods: Nyjer.
- Feeders: Nyjer feeder.
- A common town bird of southern Europe.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Are serins in France all year?
Yes — the Serin is resident in France all year.
When do serins nest in France?
Typically April–July. Clutches are 3–4 eggs, incubated for 12–13 days, with 2 per year.
Which native plants help serins in France?
Teasel, Common knapweed, Silver birch, Alder are native to France and provide food or cover the Serin uses.
Serins in other countries
Other garden birds in France
Sources
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.