The African citril, also known as the Abyssinian citril, is a species of finch. It is found from Ethiopia, Eritrea to western Kenya. It is closely related to the western and southern citril, to which it was formerly considered conspecific.
Region
Horn of Africa and East African Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in the Ethiopian and Eritrean highlands and south into the highlands of western and central Kenya. It favors montane forest edges, juniper–Hagenia woodlands, ericaceous scrub, and highland cultivation mosaics. The species readily uses secondary growth, clearings, and hedgerows, and it can be seen in parks and gardens within upland towns. Local movements bring it to seeding grasses and weedy fields after rains.
Altitude Range
1500–3400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the Abyssinian citril, this finch was formerly placed in the genus Serinus and was once lumped with the western and southern citrils before genetic studies split them. It frequents highland forests and adjacent farmlands and often visits gardens. Its bright, canary-like warble is a common sound in Ethiopian and Eritrean uplands.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
undulating with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forms small flocks that move between feeding sites. During breeding, pairs are territorial and build a neat cup nest in shrubs or small trees. Likely monogamous, with both adults involved in provisioning nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, canary-like warble of trills, twitters, and rapid phrases delivered from exposed perches. Calls include soft chips and tinkling notes used to keep contact within small flocks.
