Yellow-crowned Canary

Overview

The yellow-crowned canary (Serinus flavivertex) is a small passerine bird in the finch family that is a resident breeder in eastern Africa. Formerly considered the same species as the Cape canary, it is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length ranges from 11 to 13 cm.
• Adult males have a green back with black edging on the wings and tail, yellow underparts, rump, and tail sides, and a white lower belly.
• The head is bright yellow and the face is cinnamon, appearing brighter than that of the Cape canary.
• Juveniles display greenish-yellow underparts with heavy brown streaking.
• The call is a tsit-it-it, while the song consists of warbled, goldfinch-like trills and whistles given during display flight or from a high perch.

Habitat

This species inhabits fynbos, grassland, and gardens, with a preference for highland areas. It constructs a compact cup nest in scrub vegetation.

Diet

The yellow-crowned canary is a common and gregarious seedeater.

Did you know?

The bird was formerly considered conspecific with the Cape canary (Serinus canicollis) before being recognised as a distinct species.