White-throated Canary
Crithagra albogularis
A large, unstreaked drab canary with facial markings, a white throat, and a yellow-green rump. A pale eyebrow and heavy bill further differentiate it. Pairs and small groups occur in a variety of arid environments including coastal heathland, Karoo, arid grassland, and thorn scrub, where they are resident and nomadic, wandering in flocks after breeding. The species has a typical sweet canary song including some imitations of other species, and the call is a distinctive tri-syllabic “speak-to-me.” The similar Protea Canary differs from White-throated Canary by having a black chin, a pale bill, and two distinctive wingbars visible at close range.
Identification
The white-throated canary is a small bird about 15 cm long with generally dull-coloured plumage and a yellow or yellow-green rump. It has a heavy horn-coloured beak and brown irises. Its legs are brown. The male and female have similar external appearances, and juveniles resemble adults.
Taxonomy
The white-throated canary was formerly placed in the genus Serinus but phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences found that the genus was polyphyletic. The genus was therefore split and a number of species including the white-throated canary were moved to the resurrected genus Crithagra.
- Scientific name
- Crithagra albogularis
- Authority
- Smith, A, 1833
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Fringillidae
- Genus
- Crithagra
Range and habitat
It is found in Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Olive-headed Lorikeet
Trichoglossus euteles
A long-tailed green parrot with a light olive hood, an orange bill, and a yellowish-green underside. Note the yellow bar on the underwing in flight. Juveniles have a dark brownish-black bill. Gregarious, found in pairs or groups high up within forest and savanna in the lowlands, hills, and mountains in its limited range in the eastern Lesser Sundas. Smaller than Marigold Lorikeet, with a lighter colored head, and lacks Marigold’s broad yellow collar. Gives characteristic lorikeet screeches: “eek.”
Malagasy Sunbird
Cinnyris notatus
Large, dark sunbird with a long, curved bill. Males are glossy green and black, while females are dark brown with heavy streaking below. Found in forest, plantations, gardens, and scrub. Active bird that feeds mainly on nectar. Common call is a simple “cheep,” sometimes repeated quickly. Dark males are distinctive. Females can be told from female Souimanga Sunbird by their larger size, larger bill, and heavy streaking below.
Asian Fairy-bluebird
Irena puella
Chunky tree-dweller with blood-red eyes. Spectacular male is decked out in midnight black and electric blue. Female is dark turquoise with dark wingtips. Gathers at fruiting and flowering trees. A species of lowland and foothill evergreen forests, though will occasionally venture into gardens and plantations. Song includes various notes, often paired, such as “wit!” and “wi’wit!” Gives “tik” calls when flying overhead.
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