Northern grosbeak-canary

The northern grosbeak-canary or Abyssinian grosbeak canary is a species of passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae. It is found in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. Its binomial name commemorates the explorer Arthur Donaldson Smith.

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Distribution

Region

Horn of Africa and adjacent East Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs in Ethiopia, Somalia, and northern Kenya, favoring semi-arid to arid landscapes. Typical habitats include Acacia–Commiphora bushland, thorn scrub, dry savanna, and rocky wadis. It also uses open country with scattered shrubs, field edges, and lightly grazed rangelands. Birds often forage near watercourses and around seed-rich grass patches.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2000 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Characteristics

Size14–15 cm

Wing Span22–25 cm

Male Weight0.023 kg

Female Weight0.021 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

Also called the Abyssinian grosbeak canary, this finch has a notably thick, conical bill adapted to crack hard grass seeds. It is native to the Horn of Africa and is generally sedentary. The species was formerly placed in the genus Serinus and its epithet commemorates explorer Arthur Donaldson Smith.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

social and wary

Flight Pattern

undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small flocks outside the breeding season, gathering at seeding grasses and water sources. During breeding, forms territorial pairs and builds a small cup nest low in shrubs or thorny bushes. Clutch size is typically two to four eggs, with both parents involved in care.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A series of high, buzzy twitters and clear tinkling notes delivered from a shrub top or during short display flights. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact twitters within foraging groups.

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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

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