European Serin
Serinus serinus (Linnaeus, 1766) (27, 8)
Photo © Kris Webb
Ex BBRC species 31/12/1982
STATUS
Western Palearctic. Monotypic.
OVERVIEW
Harting listed this species in both editions of his Handbook (1872; 1901). In the latter he added one that was in F. Bond's collection from 1870, but which Walpole-Bond and I believe to be a duplicate record for the 1869 individual.
Harting (1901) gave details of three possible confusion species: Cape Canary, Citril Finch and Canary; also, hybrids.
RECORDS
1). 1859 Sussex Near Brighton, caught, 20th June.
(F. Bond, Zoologist 1860: 7105; G. D. Rowley, Ibis 1861: 113; Newman, 1866; BOU, 1883; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
History F. Bond of Cavendish Road (1860) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVIII. p. 7105, dated 7th June, 1860, says: 'On a recent visit to Brighton I was shown a specimen of this bird caught in a clap-net near there on the 20th June, 1859.
It is in the possession of Mr. H. Pratt, of 35, Duke Street, Brighton, who had the bird very shortly after its capture. It was described as being quite alone and very wild. I believe it is a female. I have since seen another, a fine male, captured near London, in the autumn of the same year, shortly after the severe storm in October. I believe this is the first time this bird has been recorded as a visitor to this country.'
George D. Rowley of Brighton (1861) in The Ibis, Vol. III. p. 113, dated 10th November 1860, says: 'The Serin Finch has been taken near Brighton; and I am quite convinced that this bird ought to be, and soon will be, included in our list of British birds.'
Admitted nationally in their first List of British Birds (BOU 1883).
Accepted locally (Borrer 1891: 130; Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 95).
2). 1859 Greater London Hampstead, Middlesex, male, caught, October.
(F. Bond, Zoologist 1860: 7105; BOU, 1883; Harting, 1901; Glegg, 1935; Self, 2014).
History F. Bond (1860) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XVIII. p. 7105, says: '...I have since seen another, a fine male, captured near London, in the autumn of the same year, shortly after the severe storm in October.'
Admitted nationally in their first List of British Birds (BOU 1883).
Harting (1901) in his list states that it was near Hampstead (Bond l.c.).
3). 1866 Somerset Taunton, female, shot, late January.
(H. Byne, Field 28th Apr., 1866: 359; G. D. Rowley, Ibis 8: 215; Smith, 1869; BOU, 1883; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988; Ballance, 2006).
History Henry Byne of Milligan Hall, Bishop's Hull, Taunton (1866) in The Field of 28th Apr., Vol. XXVII. p. 359, says: 'Will you kindly permit me to record in your columns the occurrence of a female Serin Finch (Fringilla serinus, Linn.) shot by Mr. Gowett in a garden surrounded by houses in Bridge Street, North Town, Taunton, in the last week of January last. The bird was presented to me by Mr. Haddon, watchmaker, of Taunton, and it now forms a well-preserved specimen amongst my collection of British birds. Although the Serin Finch has been captured before in England, it has not yet, I believe, been figured as a British bird.'
George Dawson Rowley of Brighton (1866) in The Ibis, Vol. VIII. p. 215, in a Letter dated 1st March 1866, says: 'In the Ibis for 1861 (p. 113) I expressed my belief that the Serin (Serinus hortulanus, Koch) would prove to be a not infrequent visitor to the south coast of England, and I mentioned that several reported instances of its occurrence had come to my knowledge, but without dates or particulars.
A specimen killed in this neighbourhood has long been in a bird-stuffer's window here; and a few days ago Mr. Swaysland sent for me to inspect a skin recently forwarded to him by Henry Byne, Esq., of Miligan Hall, Bishop's Hull, Taunton, who wished to know what it was.
I requested Mr. Swaysland to obtain further details for me, and these I have in Mr. Byne's letter now before me. The bird was killed "in the last week of January 1866, by William Gorett, Esq., in a small garden surrounded by trees, in Bridge Street, North Town, Taunton. It perched on a tree and was shot for a Sparrow, but there were no other birds there at the time....I saw the Serin Finch the day it was killed". There is still, of course, the probability of the bird having escaped from captivity to be got over, but I dare say we shall have others to report in due course of time. The season of the year in this case is to be remarked-midwinter, while the instances recorded by Mr. Bond (Zoologist, p. 7105) bear date 20th June and October, 1869. It appears like a British bird, but I do not wish to manufacture one without more examples.'
Smith (1869: 180) says: 'I have considerable doubt about the propriety of including this bird in the Somersetshire list: I do so, however, on the authority of one specimen which was killed in Taunton, in January or February, 1866: it was shown to me by Mr. Haddon, of that town, on the 31st of March, after it had been stuffed and put into a case.
I then had some doubt as to the identity of the bird: it struck me at the time as so like a cross between the Siskin and the Canary as scarcely to be distinguished from it, and I thought it might be some escaped pet, as it was shot while feeding with some sparrows in a back garden in the town. I have, however, seen it since, in the very fine collection of Mr. Byne, at Bishop's Hull, and compared it with the description of the Serin Finch given by Mr. Newman, in his edition of Montagu's Dictionary, with which it agrees so nearly that I do not think it would be right to omit all notice of the capture, though it is still possible it may be an escaped prisoner....
The specimen in Mr. Byne's collection is - as near as I could measure through the glass of the case - four inches and a half in length. The beak is shorter and not so pointed as that of the Siskin, of a darkish horn colour. The plumage is as follows: - Forehead yellow, with a slight mixture of olive-green; rest of the head and nape olive-green; ear-coverts also olive-green; a yellow streak extends from the back of the eye round the ear-coverts to the throat; back light olive-brown, with dark streaks, formed by the centre of each feather being darker; rump and upper tail-coverts yellow; lesser wing-coverts light dull yellow, with a dusky spot on the inner web of each feather; greater coverts dusky, with yellowish tips, making a line across the closed wing; quills dusky, with dirty white edges to the tertials; tail forked and dusky, each feather edged with dirty white or yellow; throat yellow; breast yellow, with dark dusky streaks; flanks dull dirty white, with dusky streaks; belly and under tail-coverts, dull dirty white; legs rather faded, but I should think yellowish brown; the colour of the irides I could not tell, as I did not see the bird in the flesh: the bird-stuffer had put in black eyes. This is the description I made in my note-book of Mr. Byne's bird, when it was shown to me by Mr. Haddon, in March, 1866.'
Admitted nationally in their first List of British Birds (BOU 1883).
Comment Mr. Gowett or William Gorett? It is possible that Swaysland switched the specimens.
4). 1866 Sussex Hove, female, caught alive, 19th April, now at Booth Museum.
(T. J. Monk, Zoologist 1866: 229; Yarrell, 1871-85; Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
History T. J. Monk of Lewes (1866) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. I. p. 229, dated 19th April, 1866, says: 'A beautiful example of the Serin Finch was caught today in the parish of Hove, near Brighton. It was taken in a clap-net by a man catching Linnets and Goldfinches, and brought by him to Mr. G. Swaysland, Queen's Road, Brighton, who purchased the bird, and kindly sent me a message respecting this rare visitor, and at whose house I had the pleasure of seeing the same alive, and within a few hours of its capture.
It is in fine summer plumage, and a perfect specimen; and answers in all respects, save size, to the description and drawing of this pretty finch in Bree's Birds of Europe. The bird now belongs to me, and I need scarcely add will prove an ornament to my collection.'
Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 112, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'Mr. Monk announced (Zool., s.s. p. 229) the capture, at Hove, on April 19th, 1866, of a hen Serin, which he saw alive a few hours afterwards, and this, with another of those obtained in that neighbourhood [?], is now in his collection, where, thanks to his kindness, the Editor has seen them.'
Accepted locally erroneously dated as 9th April, 1866 (Borrer 1891: 130) and by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 96) who in a footnote, adds that it is now in the Booth Museum, Brighton.
Comment Although Swaysland who has been discredited (A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 112: 89-98), Monk saw the individual while still alive. However, Swaysland did have an aviary on his premises. The date is normal.
5). 1869 Sussex Eastbourne, male, caught, late April.
("W.J.V." Field 1st May 1869: 360; F. Bond, Zoologist 1870: 1984; Harting, 1872; Yarrell, 1871-85; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
History "W.J.V." of Brighton (1869) in The Field of 1st May, Vol. XXXIII. p. 360, says: 'Mr. Bills, one of the Brighton bird dealers, has a handsome male bird of this species, taken a few days ago at Eastbourne. The last recorded is in Newman's edition of Montagu, where it appears that a female was captured in Brighton in 1859.'
Frederick Bond of South Hampstead, London (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 1984, dated 15th December, 1869, says: 'I think the following list of birds, all taken (except the Serin Finch) near Brighton, between September of the present year and the 6th of December, are worth recording in The Zoologist.
I have seen every one of the birds except the Shore Lark. Serin Finch. I saw a fine specimen that was taken in April of this year. There has been so many specimens of this species taken in this country that I think it may now be considered a British bird.'
Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 112, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'Mr. Bond too recorded (Zool., s.s. p. 1984) another example which he saw at a bird-stuffer's at Brighton, taken, he was told, in April 1869. This is very likely the same as one noticed, according to Mr. Harting (Handb. Br. B., p. 112), by Mr. Lucas as obtained at Worthing on May 4th in that year - though, as will be seen, the dates do not agree.'
Accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 96) who adds that this is the April, 1869, Sussex, specimen referred to by Fredrick Bond in The Zoologist for 1870.
6). 1879 Kent Dover, female, caught, 27th January, now at Rochester Museum.
(Ticehurst, 1909; Harrison, 1953).
History Ticehurst (1909: 146) says: 'We are indebted to the Dover bird-catchers for all the specimens of this bird. The first, a female, was netted by Chatwin on Dover Cliffs on the 27th of January, 1879, and was purchased by Prentis for his collection, where it may still be seen in the Rochester Museum.'
7). 1885 Norfolk Apollo Gardens, Great Yarmouth, male, 13th to 14th June, when shot.
(Gurney, 1884-86; Babington, 1884-86; R. W. Chase, Zoologist 1886: 27-28; H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 4: 392; Southwell, 1890; A. H. Patterson, Zoologist 1900: 404; Seago, 1977; Allard, 1990).
History Gurney (1884-86: 5) under 'Additions and Corrections' says: 'Mr. G. Smith informs me that a very good male Serin was shot in a garden on the outskirts of Yarmouth, on June 13, 1885, which is now in the collection of Mr. R. W. Chase, of Birmingham. The Serin has not occurred in Norfolk before.'
Babington (1884-86: 249) says: 'One shot at Yarmouth, June 13, 1885 (J. H. Gurney, jun., in litt.). Not met with in England before 1852; the species has, of late years, been steadily advancing northward on the Continent from South Europe and North Africa, its native home (Newton's Yarrell, Vol. I. p. 113). About a dozen specimens have occurred in Britain.'
H. Stevenson (1884-89) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IV. p. 392, says: '...Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun., in the addenda to his list of Norfolk birds contributed to Mason's 'History of Norfolk', states that Mr. G. Smith, of Yarmouth, informed him that a male Serin was shot in a garden on the outskirts of Yarmouth on June 13th, 1885, and is now in the collection of Mr. R. W. Chase, of Birmingham.'
Robert W. Chase of Edgbaston, Birmingham (1886) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. X. p. 28, says: 'From the same source [Mr. G. Smith, of Great Yarmouth] I also had a Serin Finch, Serinus hortulanus, shot in the Apollo Gardens, Yarmouth, June 14th. Unfortunately the specimen was so riddled with shot that proper identification of the sex was impossible, but from the plumage it was no doubt a male. This, I believe, is the first occurrence of this species in Norfolk, and will be a welcome addition to the already rich avifauna of that county.'
Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 379) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'A male Serin finch was shot at Yarmouth on 13th June, 1885, which, in the opinion of Mr. W. R. Chase (in whose possession the specimen now is), showed no sign of having escaped from confinement.'
Accepted by A. H. Patterson (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 404, under 'Birds of Great Yarmouth'.
8). 1887 Norfolk Great Yarmouth, male, caught, 5th February, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1954Z1.1173).
(H. Stevenson, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 4: 392; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1888: 84; Southwell, 1890; A. H. Patterson, Zoologist 1900: 404; Seago, 1977; Allard, 1990; Watson, 2010).
History H. Stevenson (1884-89) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IV. p. 392, says: 'A Serin Finch, Serinus hortulacus, of Linnaeus, was netted by a birdcatcher on the North Denes at Yarmouth, on the 5th February, 1887, and was brought to me, by Mr. Cole, in the flesh on the 8th, having been kept alive at Yarmouth for two or three days. It proved to be a male bird on dissection....Mr. Newton records eleven specimens as having been met with in this country, the earliest identified, a male, caught near Portsmouth, in April, 1852.
Of these eleven specimens, seven were taken near Brighton, one near Portsmouth, one at Worthing, one in Somersetshire, and one near London, recorded by Mr. Bond.
The present example, though the first that has come under my notice in Norfolk, is not, I believe, the first identified as having occurred in this county...'
J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1888) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XII. p. 84, says: 'On January 31st, Mr. Lowne received from a bird-fancier in Yarmouth a Serin supposed to have been caught on the denes; but winter is a most unlikely time of the year at which to find any species here which breeds to the south of us. The specimen in question is recorded in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, under date Feb. 5th (pp. 392, 432).'
Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 379) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'Mr. Stevenson also records (Zoologist, 1888, p. 84) the capture by a net of one of these birds, on the North Denes, at Yarmouth, on the 5th February, 1887. It was brought alive to Mr. Cole, of Norwich, on the 8th, and seen in the flesh by Mr. Stevenson. It proved on dissection to be a male, and was preserved by Mr. Cole for Mr. Connop.'
Accepted by A. H. Patterson (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 404, under 'Birds of Great Yarmouth.'
Watson (2010) in detailing the W. R. Lysaght collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a specimen obtained at North Denes, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, on 5th February 1887, without further detail.
Comment An earlier Norfolk record mentioned by Stevenson refers to a 1885 record that came through the hands of George Smith, a well known dealer and is found not proven.
9). 1888 Sussex Ovingdean, male, obtained, 27th January.
(R. W. Chase, Zoologist 1888: 108; Borrer, 1891).
History R. W. Chase of Edgbaston (1888) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XII. p. 108, says: 'On Jan. 27th a second example of Serinus canicollis was obtained at Ovingdean, near Brighton. The present specimen is a male, in perfect plumage, with sharp claws, and showing no signs of captivity whatever.'
Borrer (1891: 130) says: 'Another is mentioned by Mr. Chase, of Edgbaston, as having been obtained at Ovingdean, near Brighton, a male in perfect plumage showing no signs of captivity, January 27th, 1888 (Zoologist, p. 108, 1888).'
10). 1891 Devon Between Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton, 29th November.
(W. E. H. Pidsley, Zoologist 1892: 114; D'Urban & Mathew, 1895; D'Urban, 1906; Moore, 1969).
History W. E. H. Pidsley of Exeter (1892) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVI. p. 114, says: 'So far as I am aware the first example of the Serin obtained in Devon was caught on Nov. 29th last, between Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton, by an old birdcatcher. It was in company with two Linnets, which were also taken. On going to the nets the birdcatcher was surprised to see a bird, which he at first took to be a hen Siskin; but on closer inspection it turned out to be a bird with which he was not acquainted, and which he called a "foreigner".
A day or two after it was shown to me, and I expressed the opinion that it was a Siskin. I purchased the bird and despatched it for inspection to the Editor [Harting], who confirmed this view. It was evidently not an escaped bird, as on its being put in a cage it did not seem at home, like most recaptured ones become, but fluttered about and tried to regain its liberty, and would not feed; moreover, its plumage was quite uninjured.
The previous occurrences of the Serin in England are but few; about a dozen only have been obtained, one of which was taken in the adjoining county of Somerset. The bird has been set up for my collection.'
W. S. M. D'Urban (1906 (1): 305) in the Victoria County History of Devon, says: 'According to Mr. W. E. Pidsley (Zool., 1892, p. 114), an example of this finch was captured by a bird-catcher between Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton on 29 November 1891. It was possibly an escaped one from an aviary in Exmouth.'
Comment A most confusing story, which has been accepted as a Serin by D'Urban & Mathew (1895, p. 436) and Moore (1969, p. 274), but it clearly states the Editor [Harting] confirmed his view that it was a Siskin. Saunders (1899) 2nd edit., p. 177 lists Devon as having had one record as does Witherby (1920) Vol. I. p. 73. I suppose it must be one.
11). 1893 Suffolk Saxmundham, female, caught, April, lived until July.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1894: 86; Ticehurst, 1932).
History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1894) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XVIII. p. 86, says: 'Mr. Southwell reported an adult female Goshawk on March 29th at Somerleyton, and later on in spring a Serin Finch came under his observation. The latter was taken by a birdcatcher named Crompton at Saxmundham, in Suffolk, and was sent to Yarmouth, where Mr. Patterson is confident he saw another. It lived in a cage until July, and was a female bird, very dark in plumage, the result possibly of confinement, and more or less artificial food.'
Saunders (1899, 2nd ed.) made no mention of Suffolk. Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1932: 62).
12). 1897 Norfolk Great Yarmouth, male, caught, 1st April, now at Castle Museum, Norwich.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1898: 109; A. H. Patterson, Zoologist 1900: 404; Seago, 1977; Allard, 1990).
History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1898) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. II. p. 109, says: 'April 1st. A cock Serin Finch caught in a garden on the Caister Road, Yarmouth, and another seen, the pair having been about some days, and being at first taken for Siskins (W. Lowne), would, if left alone, possibly have nested. This is in every way a brighter example than the female, also in my collection, caught in April, 1893. The Serin seems to be an easy prey to birdcatchers, but, though often imported to London as a cage-bird, it is believed these occurrences are unreliable, and, unless the birdcatchers have duped us, it has now turned up at Yarmouth six times.'
Accepted by A. H. Patterson (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 404, under 'Birds of Great Yarmouth', who says: 'A pair, April 1st, 1897.'
Comment As the other bird was only seen, it lacks adequate details, and is unacceptable.
13). 1897 Yorkshire Beverley, male, in song, seen, 26th May.
(G. C. Swailes, Field 5th June 1897: 884; Nelson, 1897; Nelson, 1907; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 181; Mather, 1986).
History G. C. Swailes of Beverley (1897) in The Field of 5th June, Vol. LXXXIX. p. 884, says: 'I have in a small aviary here a pair of Serin Finches (Fringilla serinus) which have this season nested and reared a brood of young. On the 26th ult. I was surprised to see near the aviary a strange male Serin, which stayed close by for some time, and, so far as one could possibly judge, it was not an escaped bird. During the afternoon I heard it singing merrily its trivial song in the top of some tall oaks a few hundred yards from the aviary.'
Nelson (1907 (1): 174-175) adds: 'Mr. F. Boyes confirms Mr. Swailes statement, and remarks that he also saw and heard the wild bird.'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 181, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
14). 1904 Norfolk Great Yarmouth, male, caught, 28th April.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1905: 92; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 181; Seago, 1977; Allard, 1990).
History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1905) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IX. p. 92, says: 'April 28th. W.N.W., 4. A cock Serin Finch netted at or near Yarmouth, and subsequently kept alive by Mr. Lowne for some weeks.
This is the fourth, if not the sixth, Serin which has been taken there by birdcatchers, and it seems as if a few annually followed our coast-line; yet none have been identified at Blakeney, a place which seems equally suitable with Yarmouth denes.'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 181, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
15). 1904 Oxfordshire Crowmarsh Battle, seen, 5th May.
(O. V. Aplin, Zoologist 1906: 445; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 181; Radford, 1966).
History O. V. Aplin (1906) in The Zoologist, Vol. X. p. 445, under 'Notes on the Ornithology of Oxfordshire, 1904', says: 'May 10th. News from Mr. W. Newton, of Crowmarsh Battle, that he saw a Serin near there on the 5th, and had a good chance of examining it while it was perched on the bare stem of a young chestnut tree. This bird is new to the county list.'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 181, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
16). 1904 Kent Dover, two, caught, about 16th November.
(D. Seth-Smith, Zoologist 1904: 457; D. Seth-Smith, Field 26th Nov., 1904: 950; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 181; Ticehurst, 1909; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).
History D. Seth-Smith of Croydon (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VIII. p. 457, says: 'On Nov. 16th I received a live Serin (Serinus hortulanus), which had been caught a few days before by a birdcatcher at Dover, and I have since heard that a second example was taken at the same place on the day I received a mine. Both these birds were associating with Linnets.'
D. Seth-Smith of Addiscombe, Croydon (1904) in The Field of 26th Nov., Vol. CIV. p. 950, says: 'On Nov. 16 I received from a birdcatcher at Dover a living specimen of the Serin Finch (Serinus hortulanus), which had been caught a few days before, near the castle; and I have since heard that a second example was taken at the same place on the 16th inst. Both these birds were associating with Linnets.'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 181, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: '...two were caught.'
Ticehurst (1909: 146) says: 'We are indebted to the Dover bird-catchers for all the specimens of this bird....On the 16th November, 1904, Mr. D. Seth-Smith received from Chatwin a living specimen, which had been caught by one of the bird-catchers near Dover Castle a few days previously. A second bird was obtained at the same place on the 16th November, and both when caught were in company with Linnets.'
Harrison (1953 (2): 253) stated that Mr. D. Seth-Smith received on 16th November 1924 [sic] a living example which had been netted a few days previously by one of the Dover bird-catchers and sent to him by Chatwin. A second bird was obtained at the same place on 16th November and both were associating with Linnets (Field 26.xi.1904; Zoologist 1904, p. 457).
18). 1911 Norfolk North Denes, Great Yarmouth, male, caught, 28th January.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1912: 127; Eds., British Birds 6: 24; S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 9: 789; Allard, 1990).
History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1912) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVI. p. 127, says: 'January 28th. The end of the month produced the first novelty, one of the Yarmouth birdcatchers bringing Mr. Lowne a cock Serin Finch, which he had caught on the North Denes, a very favourite haunt of the bird-netting fraternity. This is the fifth, if not the sixth, Serin Finch which has been netted at Yarmouth, and I believe they have all been cocks; yet at Blakeney none have been taken, but there is no netting there.'
In an Editorial (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 24, they say: 'Mr. J. H. Gurney's yearly report on Norfolk ornithology for 1911 (Zool., 1912, pp. 121-39) does not contain much of importance which has not already appeared in these pages, but the following interesting facts may be mentioned: - Serin (Serinus c. serinus). - A male was caught in a net on the North Denes, Yarmouth, on January 28th.'
Admitted by S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere (1914) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. IX. p. 789, under 'Additions to Part XI (Sixth List) 1909-13'.
19). 1911 Lothian Edinburgh, Midlothian, adult male, caught, 9th November, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1911.151).
(O. H. Wild, Scottish Naturalist 1912: 11; Ed., Field 9th Mar., 1912: 501; Eds., British Birds 5: 255; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 281; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935; Kirke Nash, 1935; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Thom, 1986; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007).
History Oliver H. Wild (1912) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXII. p. 11, says: 'On 9th November 1911, an adult male Serin Finch in full winter plumage was captured inn the southern suburbs of Edinburgh by some bird-catchers. It was in company with Lesser Redpolls, and is the first known instance of the occurrence of the species in Scotland. I have presented the specimen to the fine collection of British birds in the Royal Scottish Museum.'
In an Editorial (1912) in The Field of 9th Mar., Vol. CXIX. p. 501, he says: 'At a meeting of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh last week, Mr. Oliver H. Widd [sic] exhibited a specimen of the Serin Finch taken on Nov. 9, 1911, near Edinburgh, where it was in company with Lesser Redpolls. Though new to Scotland, the Serin has been recorded to have been met with nearly a score of times in England, and has also been seen in Ireland.'
In an Editorial (1912) in British Birds, Vol. V. p. 255, they say: 'Mr. O. H. Wild records (Scot. Nat., 1912, p. 11) that an adult male Serinus hortulanus was captured on November 9th, 1911, near Edinburgh by some bird-catchers. The Serin has occurred over twenty times in England, chiefly in the south, and twice in Ireland, but not previously in Scotland.'
W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 281, on the unexpected occurrences for 1911, says: 'Adult male caught near Edinburgh, November 9th.'
Accepted locally for Midlothian (Kirke Nash 1935: 36).
Rintoul & Baxter (1935) say: 'An adult male in full winter plumage was captured in the southern suburbs of Edinburgh on 9th November 1911. It was with Lesser Redpolls when caught by some bird-catchers.'
Forrester & Andrews et al. (2007 (2): 1393) add: 'Specimen now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1911.151).'
20). 1914 Fair Isle No locality, female, shot, 22nd May.
(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 35: 102-103; Eds., British Birds 9: 75; Witherby, 1920-24; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Dymond, 1991; Pennington et al., 2004).
History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1915) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXV. pp. 102-103, says: 'The systematic investigations on the migration of birds at Fair Isle in 1914 were carried out by Mr. Jerome Wilson, who has acted as observer for several years. To the information afforded by Mr. Wilson's daily register of ornithological events must be added a series of notes kindly contributed by the Duchess of Bedford, who visited the island in spring.
Serin Finch. A female specimen of this rare visitor to the British Isles appeared on 22nd May. It is the second of its kind known to have visited Scotland, and the most northerly record for Europe.'
In an Editorial (1915) in British Birds, Vol. IX. p. 75, they say: 'Mr. W. Eagle Clarke contributes an interesting paper on the more uncommon visitors to Fair Isle during 1914 (Scot. Nat., 1915, pp. 101-105). Mr. Jerome Wilson acted as regular observer - and apparently a very efficient one - during this year, while the Duchess of Bedford, who visited the island in the spring, added a valuable series of notes. We append below brief extracts of the more important records in this report, all being for the year 1914. Serin (Serinus c. serinus). Female, May 22nd. Only the second record for Scotland.'
Pennington et al. (2004) says: 'Shot by Jerome Wilson and sent to Eagle Clarke at the NMS, Edinburgh.'
21). 1918 Sussex Near Rottingdean, two, caught, 6th December, male now at Natural History Museum, Tring.
(E. Hartert, British Birds 13: 26; Witherby, 1920-24; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
History E. Hartert (1920) in British Birds, Vol. XIII. p. 26, says: 'There are in the Tring Museum a pair of Serins purchased from Mr. A. F. Brazenor, taxidermist, of Brighton, who stated that they were netted by a bird-catcher near Rottingdean, Sussex, on December 6th, 1918. The bird-catcher said that he saw several more at the time.
Serinus c. germanicus Laubmann 1913, inhabiting Germany and perhaps also Holland and northern France, seems to be more greenish or less bright yellow than the typical Mediterranean S. c. serinus.
So far, however, only a small series of this form has been compared, but if these distinctions are found to hold good, then the two birds above recorded undoubtedly belong to this duller form and not to S. c. serinus.'
Witherby (1920-24: 888) says: 'A male from Rottingdean, Sussex, on 6th December 1918, was examined by E. Hartert in the Natural History Museum, Tring, and considered to be in winter plumage.'
Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 98).
Comment Brazenor Bros, taxidermists, of Brighton were known to buy specimens from Leadenhall Market for stuffing (J. M. Collinson, British Birds 105: 325-331). However, as it was at the end of World War I the chances of fraud would be very low.
23). 1922 Norfolk/Suffolk Great Yarmouth, female, caught, 1st May.
(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 16: 47; J. H. Gurney, jun., British Birds 16: 231; Witherby, 1920-24; S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 11: 586; Ticehurst, 1932; Seago, 1977; Allard, 1990).
History B. B. Riviere (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 47, says: 'On May 1st, 1922, a female Serin (Serinus c. serinus) was netted in a garden in Yarmouth and taken to Mr. E. C. Saunders, through whose courtesy I was enabled to see it a few days later. If one admits the authenticity of two specimens purchased by the Rev. H. A. McPherson in April, 1877, said to have been captured at Yarmouth (Southwell, Birds of Norfolk, Vol. III. Appendix p. 379) which, in view of its subsequent occurrences at this place, I see no reason for not doing, this makes the eighth record for Norfolk, all of these having occurred at Yarmouth, and all in the first half of the year.'
J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 231, in the Annual Report, admits this record.
Admitted by S. H. Long & B. B. Riviere (1924) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. XI. p. 587, under 'Additions to Part XI (Eighth List) 1919-23'.
Ticehurst (1932: 62) says: 'Mr. E. C. Saunders informs me this female was caught on 1st May 1922 in Cobholm gardens on the Suffolk side of the river.'
24). 1933 Pembrokeshire Marloes Mere, two, seen, 21st October.
(R. M. Lockley, British Birds 27: 200-201; Lockley, 1949; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).
History R. M. Lockley (1933) in British Birds, Vol. XXVII. pp. 200-201, says: 'On October 20th, 1933, the whole of the coast of Pembrokeshire between Linney Head and St. David's Head was subject to a very heavy diurnal (and probably nocturnal) migration of birds coming in from W. and W.N.W.
On strategic points, such as the islands of Skokholm, Skomer and Ramsey, Starlings, Daws, Rooks and many Passerine species were passing singly and in flocks steadily all day, in the early hours, quite as fast as their numbers could be estimated and noted down.
This movement continued with fluctuating strength until the end of the month, in the face of fresh or strong N. and N.E. winds. At 8 a.m. on October 21st, 1933, while I was sitting on the mainland point overlooking Jack Sound, two small yellowish Finches flew past, within about six yards. They were much smaller than the Greenfinches which, in company with Goldfinches and Linnets, were flying east at the same time.
I suspected these birds to be Serins, although I have never seen the species in the field before, but as they flew straight on I could only note down the small size, the different flight, and the bright yellow back of the nearer bird. Hundreds of the migrants were resting and feeding in and about farmyards along the coast, and in visiting several of these I kept a keen look out for unusual birds.
At a farm near Dale a few hours later I again saw a Serin, and this time watched it feeding on weedy ground in the rickyard in company with Chaffinches, Bramblings, Goldfinches, Greenfinches and Corn and Yellow Buntings. I made a full description of its plumage, from which I have no doubt that the bird was an adult male. This is apparently the first record of the Serin in Wales.'
Accepted locally by Lockley (1949: 42) who says: 'Two seen by me at Marloes on 20th October, 1933.'
26). 1946 Pembrokeshire Skomer, seen, 2nd April.
(E. J. M. Buxton, British Birds 40: 48-49; Lockley, 1949).
History E. J. M. Buxton (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. pp. 48-49, says: 'On April 2nd, 1946, on Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire, my attention was attracted by the twittering of a small bird flying towards me from the sea to the south. It passed more or less directly over me, and from the call, the small size, and the conspicuous yellow rump as it flew away, I had no difficulty in identifying it as a Serin Serinus canarius serinus, a species with which I am familiar on the Continent.
It is worth noting that two were seen together on the mainland at the nearest point to Skomer in October, 1933 (antea, Vol. XXVII. p. 201).'
Accepted locally (Lockley 1949: 42).
27). 1949 Pembrokeshire Jack Sound, Marloes, seen, 8th October.
(R. M. Lockley, British Birds 43: 294; Bannerman, 1953-63; Donovan & Rees, 1994).
History R. M. Lockley (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 294, says: 'On October 8th, 1949, while watching migration near Jack Sound, Pembrokeshire, I saw a small greenish-yellow finch fly down with other finches and Meadow-Pipits (Anthus pratensis) and alight near the beach at Martinshaven.
I recognized it as a Serin (Serinus canarius) and obtained good views of it feeding upon seeds of Rumex acetosa in company with Linnets (Carduelis cannabina) and Chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs).
There was a considerable migration of small birds moving eastwards, which it joined a few minutes later. The characters I recognized were greenish-yellow breast and rump, small dull bill, wings and tail paler than in Siskin (Carduelis spinus) and with little yellow, barring on wings very faint. From the yellowish forehead it was probably a male.
It was near this spot that I saw the first Serin recorded in Wales on October 20th, 1933 (antea, Vol. XXVII. p. 200); a second has been recorded from Skomer on April 2nd, 1946, by E. J. M. Buxton (antea, Vol. XL. p. 48). I am familiar with the Serin in Portugal and Madeira.'
1950-57 RECORDS
28). 1950 Co. Durham Westoe, near South Shields, adult male, 12th, 19th and 26th November.
(G. W. Temperley, Naturalist 76: 118; Temperley, 1951; Bowey & Newsome, 2012).
History G. W. Temperley (1951) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVI. p. 118, under 'Ornithological Report for Northumberland and Durham for 1950', says: 'On November 12th and again on 19th and 26th, an adult cock of this species was under observation in a garden near Westoe, South Shields.
It was first noticed by J.C.C. who made very careful notes on the spot, describing in detail its plumage, actions and song. He then reported the matter to H.M.S.B. who, after seeing the bird for himself, wrote: "The little finch was undoubtedly a cock Serin. I cannot give so confident an opinion on the question of its origin, but it did not behave like an escaped bird".
When first seen on the 12th the bird appeared startlingly yellow, but by the 26th the plumage had changed to a green hue, due to dirt. This suggests that the bird when first seen had only just arrived. As there had been no previous record of the Serin in the north-eastern counties, it was at first thought possible that this bird might have escaped from an aviary.
However, a few days later, on December 8th and 9th, a flock of eight birds was seen near North Otterington, York., showing that this was not such an isolated case as it had first appeared to be.
A new record for Co. Durham has thus been established.'
Accepted locally (Bowey & Newsome 2012).
29). 1954 Sussex Langney Point, 2nd November.
(D. D. Harber, British Birds 49: 154; G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1954: 23-24; Shrubb, 1979).
History D. D. Harber (1956) in British Birds, Vol. XLIX. p. 154, says: 'Shortly after 9.30 a.m. on 2nd November 1954, I saw a Serin (Serinus canarius serinus) on rough ground at the end of Langney Point, Sussex. For some ten minutes I had excellent views of it at very close range while it fed on the ground with other small birds, perched on wires or flew around.
It was a very small finch, smaller even than the Goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis) with which it fed. Perched in silhouette the most striking features were the short, thick bill and the rather domed forehead and crown. The tail was short and slightly forked. The upper-parts were brownish, heavily streaked a darker colour. The under-parts were less heavily streaked and had a yellowish tinge. There was some greenish-yellow at the sides of the head. In flight it showed a striking yellow rump but no yellow at the sides of the tail. Its flight was very rapid and its flight call was a long twitter which I noted as something like "perilouee".
When firing began on the neighbouring rifle range it, together with most of the other small birds present, flew off inland and was not seen again. The wind was northerly at the time but it had been south-easterly during the night and there had been fog which had just lifted.'
30). 1955 Carmarthenshire Bertwn, near Kidwelly, two, 5th January.
(W. G. Luton, British Birds 48: 374).
History W. G. Luton (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 374, says: 'On 5th January 1955 at Bertwn, a deserted farm by the River Gwendraeth and near Kidwelly in Carmarthenshire, I saw two small finches which I was able to identify as Serins (Serinus canarius).
With other birds, including Meadow Pipits (Anthus pratensis) which were close enough for an accurate comparison of size, they were feeding on the soft ground of what had been a pond. In all, I watched them for some 15 minutes at ranges down to 20 feet.
My first impression was of two little, rotund birds distinctly smaller than the Meadow Pipits, and in colour bright yellow strongly marked with dark streaks. A closer inspection showed the yellow to be not quite so bright as was first thought. The birds had short, dull-coloured bills. They had yellow foreheads and eye-stripes, and their breasts and rumps were this same colour. The flanks were fawn, strongly streaked with dark brown, and the wings appeared brown with faint barring. Their tails were short, slightly forked, and of a dark brown colour. The legs were dark. It seemed probable that both were males.'
Comment The flank streaking should be on a white background, not fawn.
32). 1955 Co. Durham Westoe, South Shields, 27th August to 15th September when found dead, now at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
(G. W. Temperley, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 11: 210).
History G. W. Temperley (1955) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XI. p. 210, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'From August 27th to September 15th at South Shields, D., a single bird haunted the gardens of St. George's Road and Readhead Road. It was seen frequently and attracted attention by its characteristic note. On September 15th it was found dead and its skin is now in the Hancock Museum (H.M.S.B. & F.G.G.).
A bird of this species was seen in a garden near Westoe, South Shields from November 12th to 26th, 1950. The fact that a single bird should appear in the same place on two occasions suggests that they may both have escaped from captivity or been released by someone in the district. As there are no other records for Co. Durham, these must be accepted with caution.'
33). 1956 Devon Lundy, female, 28th July to 24th October.
(B. Whitaker, Lundy Field Society Report 1956: 17; S. G. Madge, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1956: 54; Moore, 1969).
History B. Whitaker (1956) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 17, says: 'A female present from July 28th to October 24th. The second record for Lundy.'
S. G. Madge (1956) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIX. p. 54, says: 'Lundy, July 28 to Oct. 24, one female (Lundy Field Society Report 1956).'
Comment No further information available in successive books on the island or Devon.
34). 1956 Northumberland Holy Island, 24th September.
(G. W. Temperley, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 12:
64-65; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).
History G. W. Temperley (1956) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XII. pp. 64-65, says: 'On September 24th on Holy Island, N., following 24 hours of light moderate S.E. winds, which were still blowing, a quite large drift movement of passage migrants was in place.
From a hawthorn hedge a very distinctive call-note "see-oo, see-oo" was heard repeated at regular intervals and a small bird was seen making its way along the hedge. It approached to within 20 ft. of the observer.
It was a small finch about the size of a Siskin. The crown, nape and mantle were yellowish brown streaked with darker brown. There was a faint yellowish eye-stripe, the rump was conspicuously yellow. The primaries were darker brown and there was a single buff wing-bar. The tail, which was also dark brown, was forked and without any yellow markings, so conspicuous in the Siskin. The cheeks and chin were yellowish, lightly streaked with brown. The under tail-coverts were pale. The bill was noticeably short and stout and of a horn colour. The legs were dark. The bird flew to some trees with a flight note the same as its call note. After a time it flew off to the south. It was without doubt a Serin - either a female or a first-winter bird. (B.L.).
This is the first record for the species in Northumberland. A cock bird seen in South Shields, D., in November, 1950, and another at exactly the same place in September, 1955, were suspected to have been escapes from captivity.'
35). 1957 Fair Isle South Harbour, male, in song, 25th May.
(P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1957: 15; P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 172; P. E. Davis, British Birds 51: 199; Thom, 1986; Dymond, 1991).
History P. E. Davis (1957) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 15, says: 'A handsome male Serin (Serinus canarius), singing from the telephone wires by the graveyard at South Harbour.'
P. E. Davis (1957) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 172, says: 'A male singing from telephone wires near South Harbour, May 25th. The two narrow wing-bars and yellow rump, and the absence of yellow patches at the sides of the tail, were noted. The previous Fair Isle example was collected by the late Jerome Wilson of Springfield on 22nd May 1914.'
P. E. Davis (1958) in British Birds, Vol. LI. p. 199, says: 'A period of easterly winds in the fourth week of May 1957 brought a wide variety of Continental species to Fair Isle. The movement was heralded by the appearance of a very handsome adult male Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) on the 22nd (see below), and confirmed by the arrival of an old male Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) and a sprinkling of small night-migrants, as the wind moved south of east on the 23rd. The peak day was the 24th, with fair numbers of the commoner chats, warblers and flycatchers, also two Bluethroats (Cyanosylvia svecica) and three Red-backed Shrikes (Lanius cristatus collurio). The outstanding bird of the movement was a male Serin (Serinus canarius), seen on the 25th, when many of the previous day's migrants had moved on.
I was cycling along the road fronting South Harbour, in the late morning of this calm and sunny day, when a rapid jingling and trilling song drew my attention to a small bird on the telephone wires a hundred yards ahead. The yellow breast, visible through binoculars, made me suspect at first that it was a Siskin (Carduelis spinus).
Concealment was impossible, and the bird was rather uncooperative, moving along the line of wires about fifty yards before me as I advanced, but eventually I had a clear view from about thirty yards' distance. I noted at once two rather indistinct yellowish wing-bars, instead of the one prominent one which is a feature of the Siskin, and also a yellowish forehead, distinct yellow supercilium, and dark green crown and ear-coverts.
The bird then flew down from the wires to disappear behind a stone wall, and as it did so I could see that there were no yellow patches at the sides of the tail, the rump alone being bright yellow. Apart from this and the wing-bars, the entire upper-parts, wings and tail were dark green at this distance.
I failed to find the bird again, although a prolonged search was made later in the day.
There is one previous record of the Serin at Fair Isle (a female shot in May 1914) and one other from the mainland of Scotland.'
NOT PROVEN
0). 1852 Hampshire Near Eastney Fort, Portsmouth, male, obtained, April.
(W. Hazel, Morris and Bree's Naturalist 3: 19-20; Yarrell, 1871-85; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Clark & Eyre, 1993).
[BOU, 1883; Seebohm, 1884].
History William Hazel of Portsmouth (1853) in Morris and Bree's edition of The Naturalist, Vol. III. pp. 19-20, dated 6th July, 1852, says: 'I have at this time in my possession, alive, a specimen of the bird described by Swainson (Birds of W. Africa, Nat. Libr.) as Crithagra chrysopyga, or Yellow-rumped Bullfinch. It was taken by a bird-catcher, named Lavender, on the 24th of June, near Eastney Fort, about a mile from this place, in company with Linnets. It is a male, and has a pretty song. The figure and description given by Swainson are sufficiently accurate, except that the bill and legs are, in my specimen, dark brown. I should also prefer for the upper plumage to read 'olive green' for 'olive grey'; though you know how difficult it is to characterize some of those indecisive colours. My brother has also a male Serin, captured in April about the same locality.'
Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 111-112, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'The first recorded example is that by Mr. W. Hazel (Nat. 1853, p. 20), who said that a male was caught, in April 1852, near Eastney Fort, about a mile from Portsmouth, and having been paired with a hen Canary-bird produced a brood of mules, which unfortunately deceased.'
Further, in a footnote on the same pages, he adds: 'This gentleman seems to have been very fortunate in announcing the appearance in England of exotic Finches. In the same note in which he, almost incidentally, mentions the first occurrence of the Serin, he stated that he possessed an example of Crithagra chrysopyga (a West African bird) taken near Portsmouth, and also that a specimen either of Passer hispaniolensis or of Petronia stulta - he seems uncertain which - was killed a few years before, about five miles from that place, and was then in the Museum of its Philosophical Society.
Notice of this last, he added, he sent to the Author of this work, but as he did not think fit to include it in his last Edition, the present Editor deems it unnecessary to give the statement any further attention.'
Not admitted by the BOU in their first list of British Birds (1883: 48). Seebohm (1884) Vol. II. p. 83, says: 'It is said that a Serin was caught near Portsmouth in April 1852.'
Accepted locally (Kelsall & Munn 1905: 60; Clark & Eyre 1993: 452).
Comment Both the BOU (1883) and Henry Seebohm had no faith in this record. Not acceptable.
0). 1860 Sussex Near Brighton, three, obtained, autumn.
(G. D. Rowley, Ibis 1861: 113; Harting, 1901).
[Walpole-Bond, 1938].
History George D. Rowley of Brighton (1861) in The Ibis, Vol. III. p. 113, dated 20th November, 1860, says: 'The Serin Finch has been taken near Brighton; and I am quite convinced that this bird ought to be, and soon will be, included in our list of British birds, as I am told of three other instances of F. serinus having been caught by Brighton men, and cast aside from ignorance of its value, - it having been hitherto supposed to be a mule of some kind, escaped from confinement.'
Harting (1901: 373) lists this as 'Three near Brighton, autumn 1860.'
Not accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 95-96) who comments: '...this trio are found to be not proven.'
Comment Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). 1869 Sussex Worthing, shot, 4th May.
(Eds., Field 12th June 1869: 502; Eds., Zoologist 1869: 1865-1866; Harting, 1901).
[Walpole-Bond, 1938].
History In an Editorial (1869) in The Field of 12th June, Vol. XXXIII. p. 502, and in The Zoologist (1869) 2nd series, Vol. IV. pp. 1865-1866, quoting from The Field, he says: 'A very fine example of this rare English visitant was shot at Worthing on the 4th of May, 1869. It has been very carefully mounted, and has been kindly sent by Mr. Frederick W. Lucas to our office, where it may be seen.
The Serin Finch has only been captured a few times in England, and is not noticed by MacGillivray or Yarrell, but is described in Newman's Montagu. Although so rarely seen in England, a specimen captured in this country was living in the Zoological Gardens in 1866. The Serin is a common cage bird in Germany.'
Not accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 96) who implies it was found to be misidentified.
Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). 1870 Sussex Brighton Downs, caught, April.
(Borrer, 1891; Harting, 1901; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[Harting, 1872].
History Borrer (1891: 130) says: 'Again in The Zoologist, p. 119, for 1884, Mr. Bond records a specimen of this bird taken near Brighton in April 1870.'
Harting (1901) lists one on Brighton Downs in April 1870 that is in the collection of F. Bond, however he made no mention of this record in 1872 in his Handbook of British Birds.
However, Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 96) says: 'Borrer says that one was caught near Brighton in April, 1870, and passed into Frederick Bond's collection. He gave The Zoologist for 1884 as his reference for this record but that has turned out to be false.'
Comment Probaby a duplicate record for 1869 as the last two digits of the page and year have the page, 1984, of the previous years' record. I cannot find, with the aid of a computer search through The Zoologist, any note pertaining to Borrer's. Not acceptable.
0). 1873 Sussex Brighton, female, caught, 16th April, now at Booth Museum, Brighton.
(G. D. Rowley, Field 19th Apr., 1873: 378; E. Newman, Zoologist 1873: 3526; Borrer, 1891; Booth, 1901; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 112: 89-98].
History George Dawson Rowley (1873) in The Field of 19th Apr., Vol. XLI. p. 378, says: 'This morning (April 16) a specimen of the Serin Finch (Fringilla serinus, Linn.) was caught in a net on the Dyke Road, Brighton. I saw it in the flesh at Mr. Swaysland's, the naturalist. Very few have been taken before, and these are enumerated in Mr. Harting's Handbook of British Birds - a work very useful to those, like myself, working in ornithology.'
[Eight previous instances of the occurrence of this bird in England are recorded in the book referred to. These were all noted in the south of England. - Ed.]
E. Newman, Editor (1873) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VIII. p. 3526, quoting from The Field, says: 'A specimen was taken on the Dyke Road, at Brighton, on the 16th of April. It was brought to Mr. Swaysland.'
Borrer (1891: 129) says: 'In my own collection I have a female caught near Brighton on April 1st, 1873.'
Booth (1901: 215, 3rd ed.) says: 'A female, caught near Brighton, April 1st, 1873. Birds of Sussex, p. 129.'
Accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 97) in a footnote, who adds that it is now in the Booth Museum, Brighton.
Comment Swaysland has been discredited (A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 112: 89-98). However, April is a normal time for the species, but there is some discrepancy in the date stated. Not acceptable.
0). 1877 Norfolk Great Yarmouth, pair, caught, April.
(Southwell, 1890).
[Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling 1999].
History Southwell, Editor (1890 (3): 379-380) in Stevenson's Birds of Norfolk, says: 'Previous to either of these occurrences Mr. H. A. Macpherson, in April, 1877, as he informed Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun., purchased a pair of these birds of a London bird-catcher, which were said to have been recently caught at Yarmouth. The male died at once, and the female was so wild that after a few weeks she was suffered to fly away. The repeated observations of the occurrence of this species, and the fact that its range on the continent of Europe is known to have been of late years extending, appear to be evidence in favour of the examples being genuine wild birds; and, although the month of February seems an unlikely season for it to appear, this is not the only example which has been met with in that month. See Yarrell, ed. 4, II. p. 112.'
Not accepted locally (Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling 1999).
0). 1882 Sussex Near Brighton, three: two males and female, obtained, 9th April.
(Clifton, Field 29th Apr., 1882: 576; Clifton, Field 15th July 1882: 104; Millais, 1905; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[Harting, 1901].
History Lord Clifton from Brighton (1882) in The Field of 29th Apr., Vol. LIX. p. 576, dated 22nd April, says: 'A very remarkable Yellow Wagtail has since come in, which resembles an immature Yellow-headed Wagtail (M. citreola); also three common Serins...the three Serins (two cocks and a hen) were caught April 9. I hope to have the supposed Motacilla citreola examined by high authority.'
Lord Clifton (1882) in The Field of 15th July, Vol. LX. p. 104, says: '...But I am glad to hear that Mr. Seebohm and other good authorities are disposed to admit the wildness of the wild canaries, or large Serins, so often caught at Brighton in migration time. They seem to be rather greyer on the head than the true canary, otherwise very similar. In winter the back changes from grey to reddish brown.'
J. G. Millais (1905 (1): 280) in the Victoria County History of Sussex, says: 'I have no doubt that the Serin visits Sussex in the spring far more frequently than is generally supposed, though specimens have rarely been taken. One year, 1884, the Brighton bird-catchers captured three of these birds, one of which, a beautiful adult male, was kept alive for a short time by the late Mr. Henry Seebohm, who on its death kindly presented it to me.'
Accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 97) who says: 'One of this trio was kept alive for a short while by Mr. Henry Seebohm.'
Comment The wagtail turned out to be a Yellow Wagtail.
Harting (1901) was the Natural History Editor of The Field from January 1871 and then in 1877 he became Editor of The Zoologist until 1896 while still editing The Field. He makes no mention of this record in his listing (Harting 1901).
0). 1901 Sussex Near St Leonards-on-Sea, 17th December.
(Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].
History Accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 97) who says: 'Mr. F. Ashburnham informed of one secured at Roar Silver hill, St. Leonards-on-Sea on 17th December, 1901.'
Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.
0). 1906 Sussex Rottingdean, female, caught, 28th November, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1962Z10.465).
(H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 181; Walpole-Bond, 1938; Watson, 2010).
[KAN].
History Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 181, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who quote (J. B. Nichols, in litt.) as their source.'
Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 97).
Watson (2010) in detailing the J. L. Auden collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a female specimen that was caught alive in clap nets and killed by Brazenor at Rottingdean, Sussex, prior to 1907, adding that it was bought from J. B. Nichols who had bought it from Brazenor on 7th May 1907.
Comment John Bruce Nichols was heavily involved with the "Hastings Rarities" fraud, so it would be safer to reject this record. Not acceptable.
0). 1907 Sussex Near Isfield, seen, May.
(Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[Walpole-Bond, 1938].
History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 98) says: 'Mr. R. J. Messent believes he saw a Serin near Isfield in May, 1907.'
Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.
0). 1907 Sussex Near Lewes, five/six, seen, 5th May.
(H. Langton, British Birds 1: 57; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 181; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[Eds., British Birds 1: 57].
History Herbert Langton (1907) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 57, says: 'My friend, Captain Copp, and I, whilst walking over the downs from Brighton to Lewes, on May 5th, 1907, saw on a piece of fallow, a flock of small birds, consisting of Yellowhammers, Greenfinches and Linnets. Among them were some birds I did not know. Serin Finches had been in my mind when I saw the birds, and on examining, on the following day, three specimens of this bird in the Booth Museum, I came to the conclusion that the birds I had seen were Serins (Serinus hortulanus). A subsequent examination of the large series at Cromwell Road confirmed me in this decision. My friend thinks there were five or six, but personally I think there were rather more. I know I am making rather a startling assertion, but the birds were all fairly close, and two that I observed on the rough road in front of me, were not more than twenty-five yards away. Through my glasses the yellow patch on the rump, the yellow on the forehead and other parts of the head and on the breast, were perfectly distinguishable, as was also the streaky appearance on the back, which was the first thing that drew my attention. I may say that all my life I have studied birds in a wild state both in England and Scotland, and should not make the statement if I were not absolutely convinced of its truth.'
[It is always difficult to regard as authentic the identification of a rare visitor seen by an observer who has had no previous knowledge of the bird in question. But there is no great improbability in Mr. Langton's record, since a fair number of examples of this species have been caught from time to time near Brighton. The date is rather late, but the bird has several times been recorded at the end of April, and once as late as May 5th. - Eds.]
Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 97-98).
Comment No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). 1910 Sussex Cooden, Bexhill-on-Sea, seen, 16th November.
(Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[KAN].
History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 98) says: 'Colonel C. G. Beauchamp, who has experience of the species in Switzerland, saw one at Cooden, near Bexhill, on 16th November 1910.'
Comment No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Recorded 28 years after the event. Not known to have been seen by a competent authority. Not acceptable.
0). 1922 Sussex Winchelsea, seen, 2nd September.
(N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 4: 24; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[KAN].
History N. F. Ticehurst (1928) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. IV. p. 24, says: 'The late Mr. M. J. Nicoll informed me (in litt.) that he saw an adult male Serin in a garden at Winchelsea on September 2nd, 1922. The bird is a rare vagrant to Britain and has not previously been recorded from our district.'
Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 98).
Comment No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.
0). 1926 Kent Eridge Park, Tunbridge Wells, seven/eight, seen, 23rd February.
(H. S. Davenport, British Birds 19: 283).
[Harrison, 1953].
History Henry S. Davenport (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 283, says: 'It may be of interest to state that on the afternoon of February 23rd, 1926, I chanced with great good fortune upon a small company of Serins (Serinus canarius serinus) in the vicinity of Tunbridge Wells. Seven or eight in number, they were perched in the upper branches of a tree in an open field bordering on the Eridge Park cricket ground, and inspired, apparently, by the genial sunshine and warmth of the afternoon, sang their characteristic hissing chorus within twenty yards of me for fully ten minutes without a break, before taking wing.'
Comment Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). 1932 Sussex Brede, seen, 1st February.
(N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 4: 142; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[KAN].
History N. F. Ticehurst (1933) in the Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. IV. p. 142, says: 'One identified at Brede, February 1st, 1932 (P.A.).'
Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 98).
Comment No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.
0). 1936 Suffolk Ness Point, Lowestoft, seen, 16th August.
(Payn, 1978).
[KAN].
History Payn (1978, 2nd ed.) says: 'One observed by F. C. Cook on 16th August 1936 at Ness Point, Lowestoft.'
Comment No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.
0). 1943 Devon Lundy, four, 21st April.
(Davis, 1954; Moore, 1969; Dymond, 1980; Davis & Jones, 2007).
History Davis (1954), Moore (1969) and Dymond (1980) say: 'F. W. Gade reported that he saw a party of four at close range on Lundy on 21st April 1943.'
Comment Four together would be unprecedented. Probably misidentified. No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.
0). 1950 Yorkshire North Otterington, eight, 8th to 9th December.
(R. Chislett, Naturalist 76: 56; Chislett, 1952).
[Mather, 1986].
History R. Chislett (1951) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVI. p. 56, says: 'Near North Otterington on December 8th a flock of eight birds, size as Siskins, general colour olive-green with brown streaks, yellow on head and breast, breast streaked brown, conspicuous lemon-yellow rump and underparts, tail forked, no distinctive markings on wings, bill short and thick at base, flight undulating, voice a low "tiralee", rather Canary-like. Party seen again on 9th c. 4 miles south. J. P. Utley.'
Not accepted locally (Mather 1986).
0). 1951 Greater London Dollis Hill, male, 13th November.
(G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley, London Bird Report 16: 8; London Natural History Society, 1957; Self, 2014).
[Homes, 1964].
History G. E. Manser & N. J. P. Wadley (1951) in the London Bird Report, Vol. XVI. p. 8, recording the record in square brackets, say: 'Dollis Hill, a cock on Nov. 13 (E.S.). This bird was seen in a holm-oak, and from the description of plumage and note there is no doubt of its identity. It would not allow close approach, but the possibility that it was an escape cannot be ruled out.'
Homes (1964) in The Birds of London Area makes no mention of the species.
