Red-fronted Serin

Shirvan National Park

A species of bird belonging to the family of Sparrows of the order of the order of birds. It is widespread in the subalpine and alpine zones of all mountainous areas in Azerbaijan. It is a sedentary bird. In winter, it descends to river valleys and foothills. It lives in meadows where rocks and cliffs replace each other, in bushes in the cracks and crevices of steep cliffs. It is an easily recognizable bird due to its red “cap” on its head. Its body length is 12.0–13.0 cm, wingspan is 6.9–8.0 cm, and its weight is 10–13 g. The sides of its head, neck, and front of its breast are black, and its forehead and crown are orange-red. The rest of its body is gray-orange, black-brown mottled, and orange spots on the tail. The female resembles the male, but looks paler and grayer than him. Mating occurs in early May. After the breeding season, flocks can be seen in the second half of June. They build their nests in rock crevices or bushes. They lay 3–5 pale blue eggs with or without red-brown spots. They lay eggs twice a year. They feed on plant seeds and insects.