The white-bellied canary is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is found in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its natural habitat is dry savanna.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across arid and semi-arid savannas and thorn scrub, especially in Acacia–Commiphora bushland. It frequents open woodland edges, rocky slopes, and lightly grazed grasslands, often near seasonal water sources. The species adapts to scattered cultivation and village edges where seed resources are abundant. After rains it may track seeding grasses and congregate at waterholes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small finch of the dry savannas often gathers in loose flocks outside the breeding season and can be surprisingly inconspicuous among thorn scrub. Its song is a bright, tinkling series of trills and twitters, delivered from a bush top or during short display flights. Formerly placed in the genus Serinus, genetic studies moved it to Crithagra along with many African canaries.
Temperament
alert and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, finch-like undulations
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs during the breeding season and in small flocks or loose associations at other times. Nests are small cups placed low in thorny shrubs or acacias. Clutch sizes are modest, and both parents participate in care, especially during early nestling stages.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, tinkling canary-like series of trills, twitters, and short buzzes, often delivered from a prominent perch. Calls are thin, high-pitched chips used to keep contact in scattered groups.
