[4] 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.

The original description also includes a color illustration by Robert Verity Clem, and the type is located in the Yale Peabody Museum.

[7] It is differentiated from the Indonesia serin as its plummage has a larger extent of yellow, it is has the darker streaks, a more blunt bill, dark eyering and its more stout appearance.