The lemon-breasted canary, also known as the lemon-breasted seedeater, is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is found in Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitats are dry savannah, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, and rural gardens.
Region
Southeast Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily from southern Malawi and eastern Zambia through Mozambique and eastern Zimbabwe to northeastern South Africa. It favors dry savanna, palm-dotted grasslands, subtropical dry shrubland, and rural gardens. The species is frequently recorded near stands of large palms (such as Borassus) and along riverine fringes. It also uses agricultural mosaics and village edges where seeding grasses are abundant. Outside the breeding season it wanders locally to track seed availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the lemon-breasted seedeater, this small finch was formerly placed in the genus Serinus but is now in Crithagra. It is closely associated with palm-dotted savannas and often nests in or near palms. Males show a striking lemon-yellow wash across the breast and belly. Local trapping for the cage-bird trade and loss of mature palms are notable pressures in parts of its range.
Male perched on a palm inflorescence in southern Mozambique
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs during the breeding season and in small flocks or mixed finch groups at other times. Nests are placed in shrubs or palm crowns, sometimes near old weaver nests. The male sings from exposed perches to defend small territories. Post-breeding movements are local and tied to seed abundance.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A sweet, canary-like twitter of bright trills and tinkling phrases delivered in short sequences. Calls include thin, high tseep notes and soft chitters given in contact within flocks.
Plumage
Compact finch with smooth, lightly streaked olive-brown upperparts and bright yellow underparts. Males show a vivid lemon-yellow breast and belly with cleaner flanks; females are duller with more muted yellow and faint streaking. Wings show pale edging/wingbars and the tail is slightly notched.
Diet
Primarily consumes grass and weed seeds, plucking them from seed heads or gleaning from the ground. It supplements its diet with small insects and other invertebrates, especially during the breeding season for added protein. It may also take tender shoots and occasional fruits when available. Foraging is typically deliberate, with frequent short hops among grasses.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open grassy patches, along paths and field edges, and among palm groves and scrubby savanna. Frequently visits gardens, fallow fields, and lightly grazed areas where seeding grasses are abundant.
