Serinus syriacus - The Syrian serin is native to Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The Jordanian population winters in Jordan while the others migrate to Egypt, Iraq or Turkey. Males initiate courtship in April with vocalizations and nest building activities. A clutch of 4 eggs will hatch in 12 to 14 days. Chicks fledge after a mere 14 to 16 days. If food sources are plentiful, the breeding pair will build another nest and restart the process. In rare cases, three broods can be produced in one season.
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Following the defeat of Turkey in World War I, Syria was placed under a French mandate, but before France could assert its authority, the Kingdom of Syria was proclaimed under King Faisal I. France quickly subdued the new kingdom and took control of Syria. The Vichy Regime lost Syria to British and Free French forces in 1941. France attempted to reclaim its colony after World War II, but a viable independence movement within Syria discouraged France. Syria became independent in 1946.
