The West African seedeater is a small passerine bird in the finch family. It is found in Guinea, Sierra Leone, southern Mali and northern Ivory Coast across to southern Niger and northern Cameroon, with a disjunct population in South Sudan, Uganda and neighboring areas.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Guinea and Sierra Leone across southern Mali and northern Côte d’Ivoire to southern Niger and northern Cameroon, with a disjunct population in South Sudan, Uganda, and adjacent areas. It favors open savanna, lightly wooded grasslands, thorn scrub, and edges of cultivation. Common around fallow fields, road verges, and village outskirts where seed-bearing grasses are plentiful. Often uses riparian strips and gallery-forest margins for cover while feeding in nearby open areas.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The West African seedeater is a small finch of the Sahel–Sudanian zone, often seen in lightly wooded savannas and weedy fields. Formerly placed in Serinus, it is now in Crithagra following genetic studies. Outside the breeding season it gathers in small flocks and may mix with other canaries and seedeaters. By consuming grass and weed seeds, it can help reduce weed loads in cultivated areas.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding flight
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs during the breeding season and in small flocks at other times. Nests low in shrubs or small trees, building a neat cup of grasses and plant fibers. Likely monogamous, with both parents attending young. Often forms mixed flocks with other small finches when food is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, musical twittering with trills and brief buzzy phrases delivered from exposed perches. Calls include thin tsip notes and short rattles, especially in flight.
