Cape siskin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cape siskin |
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|---|---|
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Crithagra
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| Species: |
totta
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| Synonyms | |
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Serinus totta |
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The Cape siskin (Crithagra totta) is a small songbird. It belongs to the finch family. This bird lives only in the southern Cape Province of South Africa. You can find it on rocky slopes and coastal cliffs. It also lives in mountains covered with fynbos plants. Sometimes, you might even spot it in towns and suburbs of Cape Town. These birds are a bit shy, but they are common in their home areas.
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What's in a Name?
Scientists group living things into different categories. The Cape siskin used to be in a group called Serinus. But, after looking closely at their DNA (their genetic code), scientists learned something new. They found that the Serinus group wasn't quite right. So, they moved the Cape siskin to a different group called Crithagra.
The Cape siskin is also very similar to the Drakensberg siskin. Some scientists once thought they were the same species!
About the Cape Siskin
The Cape siskin is about 13 centimeters (5 inches) long. Both male and female birds have white spots on their flight feathers and tail. These spots are easy to see when the bird flies.
Male and Female Birds
The adult male Cape siskin has a light brown back. Its wings, rump, and upper tail are also brown. Its belly and chest are yellow. The male's head, neck, and sides of the neck are yellowish-grey and olive green. You might see fine dark brown streaks on its head and throat.
Female Cape siskins look similar but are a bit duller in color. They don't have as much grey on their heads. They also have more streaks on their face and chest. Young Cape siskins look like females, but they are even duller. Their underparts are darker or browner.
Sounds They Make
The Cape siskin has a special call that sounds like voyp-veeyr. They often make this sound while flying. Their song is a soft, pleasant warble. It sounds a bit like the song of a yellow-fronted canary.
How Cape Siskins Live
Building a Nest
Cape siskins are special because they are one of the only siskins that nest in holes or cracks. They build a shallow cup-shaped nest. They place it inside cracks or holes in rocks. They might also build it on ledges or hidden among plants, especially ferns. It's rare for them to use natural holes in trees. There's even a recent record of a nest found in an old lighthouse at Cape Point!
The female bird builds the nest. She uses fine plant material. She lines the nest with soft plant fluff and animal hair. A female usually lays three or four eggs, but sometimes five. She sits on the eggs to keep them warm until they hatch. The male bird brings her food while she is on the nest.
What They Eat
Cape siskins are usually seen in pairs or small groups. They move quietly through bushes and scrub. They look for seeds, buds, and insects to eat.
