Reichenow's seedeater is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is sometimes considered conspecific with the black-throated canary.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occupies open savanna, dry scrub, and lightly wooded areas, especially with scattered acacias and plentiful seed-bearing grasses. It readily uses human-modified habitats such as fallow fields, road verges, and village edges. Often feeds on the ground or low in seed heads, moving to nearby shrubs for cover. Tolerant of disturbed landscapes provided some shrubby refuge remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Reichenow's seedeater is a small African finch often treated in the past as conspecific with the black-throated canary. It differs by lacking the solid black throat patch of that species and by subtle differences in song and plumage tone. It frequents weedy fields and scrubby edges, where it forms small flocks outside the breeding season. Its quick, high-pitched twittering calls often give it away before it is seen.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulating glides
Social Behavior
Often seen in small flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other seedeaters. Breeds in monogamous pairs, building a small cup nest concealed in a shrub or low tree. Both sexes may participate in nest defense and feeding of young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, canary-like series of thin trills and twitters delivered from a bush top or during short song-flights. Calls are high-pitched, tinkling notes that keep flocks in contact while feeding.
