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White-throated canary

Crithagra albogularis (Serinus albogularis)

Geographical distribution and habitat

A Crithagra species from the South-West and Central parts of South-Africa. The bird can be found at rocky slopes with near sparse vegetation. Dry areas; the white-throated canary will search for water. A species with a somewhat heavy bill and a green/yellow rump. Immediately recognized by the white throat and frill. Can’t be confused with other Crithagra species. The depth of colour of the rump, throat spot and the eyebrow stripe, or supercilium, varies among subspecies and varies according to distribution.

Size: 15-17 cm (5.9-6.7 inch)

Description and subspecies

Male and female are very similar. The males should show a more bright and bigger throat spot. Description from around five subspecies shows very little difference in colour. One subspecies a little more brown, another a little more grey.

Details

The green/yellow rump is mostly more visible in the wild then the white throat after which the bird is named. In the wild in South-Africa, nests are found in the period September to May. This can vary from one area to another. In the wild nests mostly are found by low shrubs. Very few breeding results are known in captivity. The birds should be relatively easy to breed. There are reports about feeding the chicks not only with seeds, but with insects as well. They eat turnip seeds, hemp and small sunflower seeds. They pick at buds and also strip the bark from fresh twigs, with their heavy bill.

(23-10-2019)