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Canary, Cape, Serinus canicollis

Gregarious, common endemic. Sometimes seen in flocks of up to 500 birds when not breeding, often in association with other seedeaters.



Almost exclusively feeds on dry as well as green seeds, but occasionally feeds on fruit, flowers and insects.

Solitary nester to loosely colonial where nesting sites are limited. Courting by male is vigarous with display flights and chasing. Female builds cupped nest.

Grootbrak River, December 2008.

Male, female and immature.

Darling, September 2009

I'd appreciate some help with this one taken this evening on a fruit farm in Paarl . The very streaky chest and overall dullish colour suggest Forest Canary which is well within range but the grey cheeks as described in Roberts seem to be missing. There are lots of juveniles around this farm at the moment which is making any ID quite difficult for me.



Many thanks
Pete

Juvenile Cape Canary. The problem with them is that as far a I know none of the bird guides shows a picture of one and could also not find a photo on Roberts PDA.

Fortunately I saw some juveniles with the adults the other day here at work and TG also have a couple of reference shots on his PC so could compare your photo with his.

Sani Pass Hotel Gardens



Just in case you only see the back!!

There's a big flock of these canaries at Kirstenbosch at the moment.

canary cape by jansp, on Flickr

A youngster: