The protea canary, also known as the protea seedeater, white-winged seedeater or Layard's seedeater, is a small passerine bird in the finch family.
Region
Cape Floristic Region
Typical Environment
Occurs in fynbos habitats dominated by proteas and other Cape heathland shrubs, mainly in the Western and adjacent Eastern Cape. Favors slopes, ridges, and valleys with mature protea stands and regrowth after fire. Uses thickets, shrub edges, and occasionally adjacent farmland margins or gardens near fynbos. Often stays low to mid-level in shrubs but will descend to the ground to feed.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the protea seedeater or Layard's seedeater, this finch is tightly linked to South Africa’s fynbos and the seed cycles of protea shrubs. Its stout bill is adapted to cracking hard protea seeds, and the white wing panels flash during flight and display. Formerly placed in the genus Serinus, it is now in Crithagra.
Temperament
social but unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, forming slightly larger flocks outside the breeding season where food is abundant. Monogamous pairs build a small cup nest low in dense shrubs, often within protea stands. Both parents contribute to feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, canary-like twitter of thin trills and tinkling notes delivered from a shrub top or during short display flights. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes within foraging groups.
