Brimstone Canary

Overview

The brimstone canary (Crithagra sulphurata), also known as the bully canary, is a small passerine bird in the finch family. It is a resident breeder found throughout central and southern Africa.

Identification

• Length of 15–16 cm with a heavy, short, conical bill that is light brown with a pinkish or yellowish base.
• Yellow-green upper parts featuring dark green streaking, yellow-green ear coverts, malar stripe, and two yellow wing bars; underparts are yellow with a greenish wash on the flanks and breast.
• Legs and feet are pinkish-brown, and males are brighter with a larger bill and better-defined face patterns than females.
• Southern birds produce a trilled, deeply pitched 'swirriwirrit' call and a jumble of chirps, whistles, and trills, while northern birds sing a faster, higher, and more tuneful version.

Habitat

Inhabits open, lightly wooded areas such as hillsides with trees, scrub, forest edges, and coastal bush in South Africa. It is a resident species that is not truly migratory but undertakes some seasonal movements.

Diet

Feeds on fruit, seeds, flowers, and shoots, using its stout bill to crack hard seed cases. It is less gregarious than other canaries, typically foraging singly, in pairs, or in small groups, and is a common visitor to gardens.

Did you know?

The scientific name sulphurata is the Latin word for 'sulphurated', reflecting the bird's distinctive yellow-green plumage.