The forest canary is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is found in South Africa and Eswatini. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in South Africa and Eswatini, favoring evergreen forest, scarp and mistbelt forest, and forest edge habitat. It also uses secondary growth, riparian thickets, and wooded ravines, especially where seed-rich plants and cover are abundant. Birds often forage in the lower to mid-canopy and in dense undergrowth. It will enter gardens and plantations adjacent to natural forest if cover is available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The forest canary is a small African finch of evergreen and mistbelt forests, often keeping to edges, clearings, and dense shrub layers. Males are brighter yellow below than females, which are duller and more streaked. It is generally quiet and unobtrusive, but males deliver sweet, trilling songs from elevated perches. Formerly placed in the genus Serinus, it is now classified as Crithagra.
Temperament
quiet and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with an undulating contour
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or in small family groups; loose flocks may form outside the breeding season where food is abundant. Nests are neat cups placed in dense shrubs or small trees. The female primarily builds the nest and incubates, while both adults feed the nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A sweet, thin series of trills and twitters, often delivered from a concealed mid-level perch. Calls include soft tsee notes and brief buzzy phrases.
