Streaky-headed seedeater facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Streaky-headed seedeater |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Crithagra
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| Species: |
gularis
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| Synonyms | |
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Serinus gularis |
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The streaky-headed seedeater (Crithagra gularis) is a small songbird from the finch family. It is also sometimes called the streaky-headed canary. This bird is found in many parts of southern Africa. It can be a bit hard to spot because it is quiet and blends in well. Often, you might hear its calls before you see it!
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What is a Streaky-headed Seedeater?
The streaky-headed seedeater is a small bird, about 13 to 14 centimeters (5 to 5.5 inches) long. It has brown feathers on its back and a plain brown rump. Its head has fine white streaks on top, a dark face, and a white stripe above its eye. It also has a white chin. The feathers on its belly are a warm, light brown color.
Both male and female streaky-headed seedeaters look very similar. Sometimes, female birds might have a few streaks on their chest. Young birds (juveniles) have fewer streaks on their heads. Their upper parts are more heavily streaked, and their light gray undersides also have many streaks.
Where Do These Birds Live?
Streaky-headed seedeaters live in open woodlands and bushy areas. You can also find them in savannas, fruit orchards, and even gardens. They are quite common in these types of places across southern Africa.
What Do Streaky-headed Seedeaters Eat?
These birds love to eat soft fruits, seeds from weeds, and plant buds. Sometimes, they will also eat insects. When there are many streaky-headed seedeaters together, they can form large groups. These big flocks might sometimes eat crops like sunflowers, millet, and other grains.
How Do They Behave?
Streaky-headed seedeaters are often seen in pairs. However, they can also be very social and form large flocks. These flocks might include only streaky-headed seedeaters or mix with other types of canary birds.
This finch often stays hidden inside bushes, making it hard to see. Its call is a soft tseee. When it sings, it makes a sound like wit-chee-chee-chee-cha cha cha cha chip. It can even copy the songs of other birds! During its special display flight, it makes a sound like tweu tweu tirrirrit-tink.
Building a Nest
The streaky-headed seedeater builds a neat, cup-shaped nest. They usually place these nests inside bushes, keeping them safe and hidden.
Images for kids
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C. g. endemion feeding on redgum seeds in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
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