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Here are 2 pix shot on different occasions of a YTP. The thing that strikes me most in comparing it with your bird is the general drab greyish colour and the very obvious eyebrow. Bill shape and general appearance also fits. As you regularly see the bird you can now compare at your leisure. Again, your location can be interesting because the bird's distribution area ends east of Cape Town.

Check the back of your bird - that will be the clincher. You may have a regional rarity in your backyard!

Large view


Large view

Yellow-throated Petronia, Petronia superciliaris, often has had me confused as to its identity, especially if I have not seen it for a while. This should not be the case as the broad, buff eyebrow is straight, narrowing towards the back. This is unlike any other seedeater and once this feature is in the memory banks, confusion should be eliminated. The yellow patch on its throat for which this bird is named is not all that obvious to see at first and often close scrutiny of high-quality photographs are necessary before this feature becomes noticeable. This is especially so for juveniles like the bird shown here – they lack this feature completely.


Large view

The petronia likes savannah woodland with sparse ground cover. It is a quiet bird and inconspicuous, often seen alone or in pairs, very infrequently 20 odd birds will flock together, more so in winter. It roosts in holes in trees throughout the year and it is often observed inspecting new potential roosting sites. It feeds on seeds, nectar of some flowers, notably various aloes and takes some insects like moths and spiders gleaned from tree branches.

Is this also a Yellow-throated Petronia? I saw it at Imfolozi in Natal over the long weekend. What was it's old name?

Jehoshaphat,

Looking at Joe's picture I would say that your guess is spot on. I unfortunately have no idea what the old name was.

(African) Yellowthroated Sparrow

Thanx u2
Here is one from sunday at Mkuze Yellow-throated Petronia???

Ivan,
Spot on. Nice photo!

Agreed

agreed!

Taken in the Pilanesberg in April 2010.