The southern grosbeak-canary, also known as Kenya grosbeak-canary is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is found in Kenya and Tanzania. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, favoring semi-arid Acacia–Commiphora thornbush, dry scrub, and open savanna with scattered shrubs. It often uses stony slopes, dry riverbeds, and brushy edges of pastoral lands. The species persists in lightly grazed rangelands and can appear near waterholes after seasonal rains. It generally avoids dense woodland and high montane zones, remaining in open, shrubby habitats.
Altitude Range
500–1700 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the Kenya grosbeak-canary, this finch has a notably thick, conical bill adapted for cracking tough dry-season seeds. It was formerly placed in the genus Serinus but is now in Crithagra. It typically keeps low to the ground or perches atop thorny shrubs in semi-arid scrub. Pairs nest in dense bushes and small flocks form outside the breeding season.
Temperament
wary but quietly active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with shallow undulations
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season; small flocks and loose groups form at seed-rich patches in the dry season. Nests are built low in thorny shrubs, with the female incubating and both parents feeding young. Likely monogamous, with territories centered on suitable shrub cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, canary-like twitter of trills and tinkling notes delivered from a shrub top or low perch. Calls include dry chips and thin seee notes used to keep contact in cover.
Plumage
Plain sandy-brown to grey-brown upperparts with fine streaking; paler buff underparts with light mottling on the breast. The bill is heavy, short, and conical, horn to pale in color. Overall appearance is subdued and well-camouflaged for dry scrub.
Diet
Primarily eats grass and forb seeds, cracking them with its thick bill. Also takes buds, small fruits, and occasionally flowers. In the breeding season it may add small insects and larvae for protein.
Preferred Environment
Forages on or near the ground in open thornbush, along tracks, and at the bases of shrubs. Often congregates at seeding grasses after rains and visits water sources in dry periods.
