African Chaffinch
Fringilla spodiogenys
Dapper little finch endemic to northern Africa, where it inhabits a range of habitats, from forested hills and canyons to coastal parks and gardens. Handsome male has a blue-grayish hood, bright white eye crescents, green back, pinkish throat and breast, and a black-and-white wing pattern (colors muted in winter). Female much drabber but shares male pattern; especially note the complex wing pattern. Both sexes have white outer tail feathers, often striking in flight such as when flushed. Song is a buzzy descending series of trills and rattles; calls include a somewhat sparrow-like “dwee!”
Taxonomy
This species was first described by Napoleon Bonaparte’s Nephew, Charles Lucien Jules Laurent Bonaparte who was an ornithologist. It was first classified as a subspecies of Common chaffinch (Fringilla Coelebs), but work done between 1979 and 2021 found differences between the two species including genetics and vocal behavior that lead to the African chaffinch becoming its own species.
- Scientific name
- Fringilla spodiogenys
- Authority
- Bonaparte, 1841
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Fringillidae
- Genus
- Fringilla
Range and habitat
The African chaffinch is found from southern Morocco to northwestern Libya, and also has an isolated population in northeastern Libya. This species is non-migratory and usually disperses only over short distances, it has also been found north of the Netherlands and in Pantelleria, Italy, 68 kilometers east of the Tunisian coast in the Strait of Sicily. The African chaffinch typically resides in deciduous forests and Lowlands comprising a mix of trees such as beech (Fagus), hornbeam (Carpinus), oak (Quercus), spruce (Picea), and pine (Pinus), alongside forest edges and clearings. In the Moroccan High Atlas it is found in Juniperus thurifera. During the non-breeding season, it extends its range to similar habitats and open agricultural areas, including weedy fields, stubble fields, olive groves, palm groves, and desert oases.
Conservation
Although this bird is generally uncommon, it is locally common, and not under immediate threat of extinction. One threat to this bird’s population is weather conditions, particularly in northern areas. Populations of this species may decline in cold conditions.
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Russet Nightingale-Thrush
Catharus occidentalis
Small, plain-breasted thrush of highland pine-oak forests. Feeds mainly on the ground, but also in fruiting bushes and trees. Sings from low to middle level perches, usually well hidden. Most often seen early and late in the day, hopping along the side of quiet roads and paths. Very similar to Orange-billed and Ruddy-capped nightingale-thrushes. On Russet, note pale pinkish underside of bill with dark tip and faintly mottled or streaked pattern to breast. Song distinctive: repeated thin and tinny phrases.
Chestnut-breasted Munia
Lonchura castaneothorax
Small brownish bird with black face, gray grown, and warm brown chest separated from white belly by distinct black band. Juveniles very plain brownish but usually accompany adults. Frequents very long grass, typically beside wetlands and swamps, across northern and eastern Australia, often in sizable flocks. Often first detected by distinctive bell-like "tink" call.
Blue-throated Roller
Eurystomus gularis
A large-billed roller of primary and secondary forests that is often found sitting on branches overlooking clearings or in the canopy. Distinctive, with a bronze-colored body, a blue throat, a pale yellowish bill, and blue tail and flight feathers. Resembles and occurs alongside the related Broad-billed Roller, but Blue-throated Roller differs in its blue throat and bronzier body. Voice is a harsh “kleek,” often delivered noisily in rapid succession.
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