The Mindanao serin (Chrysocorythus mindanensis) is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae.
It is found in the Philippines in the areas of Mount Katanglad and Mount Apo.[1] [2] Its natural habitats are tropical moist montane forest and tropical high-altitude grassland above 2,000 meters above sea level. Among Mindanao endemic birds, it is the least known with only 1 known photograph of a live specimen in 2012. [3]
The Mindanao serin was formerly considered conspecific with the Indonesian serin (Chrysocorythus estherae), together called the mountain serin, but was split as a distinct species by the IOC in 2021.[4] It is differentiated from the Indonesia serin as its plummage has a larger extent of yellow. [5]
The Mindanao Serin was first described by S. Dillon Ripley and D. S. Rabor from an adult male collected in 1960 by R. B. Gonzales. The original description also includes a color illustration by Robert Verity Clem, and the type is located in the Yale Peabody Museum.[6]
EBird describes the Mountain Serin as "Rare and localized highland finch, restricted to upper montane forest and open scrubby and grassy habitats above the treeline. Generally not very obvious, often foraging quietly in dense growth, but flocks will sometimes betray their presence by flying overhead and giving a chorus of chittering twitter calls. Combination of thick conical bill, bright yellow wing-bars, and well-streaked underparts are unique within this species’ range and habitat. Extent of yellow on males’ faces varies, with the Mindanao population having the most extensive yellow. Song is a dry, whirring buzz following a few husky notes."[7]
It occupies montane mossy forest and forest edge from typically above 2,000 meters above sea level but has been found as low as 1,500 meters above sea level.
IUCN has assessed this bird as near threatened. As it is only confined to the highest reaches of Mount Apo and Kitanglad, its range is estimated at just 4,300sq km but believed to be secure due to its remoteness. Its population is provisionally estimated at 1,000 to 2,500 mature individuals but there are so few records of this bird that it's difficult to indentify its true rarity. However, due to its high altitude requirement, it may be possibly affected by climate change.[8]