Black-throated canary

The black-throated canary, also known as the black-throated seedeater, is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae.

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Distribution

Region

Southern Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs widely across dry savannas, thornveld, and open shrublands, including anthropogenic edges such as fields and village gardens. It favors areas with scattered bushes and seed-rich grasses, often near water sources. The species tolerates semi-arid conditions and can be locally common where grasses set seed after rains. It also uses lightly wooded habitats and field margins.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2500 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size12–13 cm

Wing Span18–22 cm

Male Weight0.012 kg

Female Weight0.011 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

Also called the black-throated seedeater, this finch is part of the African canary group and was moved from Serinus to Crithagra after genetic studies. The male’s contrasting black throat patch is a key field mark. Flocks often wander locally after rains to exploit fresh seed, sometimes mixing with other small finches.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

undulating with short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Often in small to medium flocks outside the breeding season and may join mixed finch flocks. Breeding pairs are territorial, placing a small cup nest in shrubs or low trees. They roost communally in dense bushes and move locally in response to food availability.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

A bright, tinkling series of trills and twitters delivered from exposed perches. Calls include thin tseep notes and rapid chattering during flock movements.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Black-throated finch

The black-throated finch, or parson finch, is a species of estrildid finch found in grassy woodlands throughout north-east Australia from Cape York Peninsula to central Queensland. The southern black-throated finch is endangered, with a population in decline and its habitat is threatened by development, and has become extinct in New South Wales, while the northern black-throated finch is not listed as threatened at this point.

Black-throated gray warbler

The black-throated gray warbler or black-throated grey warbler is a passerine bird of the New World warbler family Parulidae. It is 13 cm (5.1 in) long and has gray and white plumage with black markings. The male has the bold black throat of its name, and black stripes on its head, as well as black streaks on its flanks; the female is a paler version of the male, with a white throat and less distinct black markings on the flanks and wings. It breeds in western North America from British Columbia to New Mexico, and winters in Mexico and the southwestern United States. The habitats it prefers are coniferous and mixed forests and scrubland, especially those with pinyon pines, junipers, sagebrush, and oaks. Its nest is an open cup of plant fibers lined with feathers, built a few metres from the ground in the branches of a tree or shrub. Three to five eggs are laid, and young are fed by both parents. Common in its breeding range, it does not seem to be seriously threatened by human activities, unlike many migratory warblers.