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Canary, black-throated, Crithagra atrogularis

This canary is the most widely distributed of all the canaries, excluded only from the east coast and most of the Western Cape. The male bird's black throat becomes most obvious during breeding. It is a common resident. Forms small flocks (>100) when not breeding. Usually seen in pairs and small groups. Drinks regularly.

Feeds on seeds, insects, nectar and tree sap (gum)



This canary is a solitary nester. Cup is built by both birds in a fork of the branches particularly where there is foilage to conceal the nest. Male vigorously courts with song, display flights, dances and chases.

Incubation of 2 - 4 eggs done by female alone for about two weeks. The male feeds her on the nest.

This one has me flummoxed! I thought it might be a female sparrow or canary but can't find anything likely. Is it possibly a pinkbilled lark? I saw it in the camelthorn tree next to tent #1 at Grootkolk in September 2007.



Can any of you help? Plenty of "clumpy grasses on Kalahari sand" which my Newman's says is a prefered habitat for the pinkbilled lark, in front of my tent.

You had the right family IDd at the start - concentrate on canary and see what you come up with.

Eish, Johan, I am feeling mega-dumb! I think I was just looking at the sparrows and not the canaries. Looks to me like it's a female yellow canary? Better yet, it just might be a blackthroated canary, altho I can't see the yellow rump in these pix?

The black spots in the throat is a give-away.

Been puzzling over this one!

Seen near Parys two weeks ago. Not sure if it is female yellow canary or a black-throated canary . I don't see any yellow on the rump for black-throated but both have heavy streaking. A couple of photos which I hope will help narrow it down and hopefully I am on the right track!





Many thanks
Jackie

I think your bird might just be a female common house sparrow!

Peter

I think you're probably dead right with your Black-throated Canary ID, Jackie. The streaks down the front rules out any Sparrow and the size of the head in relation to the body and the size and shape of the bill looks good for Canary.

I can't explain why you didn't see the yellow rump but it is variable and may not always be as noticeable. Hope that helps.

Deefstes - thank you!

Your input is much appreciated (as always!).

Saw my first one today at Suikerbosrand

Congrats BM.........seems you moving up quite quickly!

Yip It helps when you acctually go out and do some birding

I've only just realised that!

LOL