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Revision as of 20:25, 5 March 2011

Serinus symonsi

Photo by Aroberts
Sani Pass, Drakensberg, Lesotho, December 2004

Female Drakensberg Siskin
Photo by Alan Manson
Sani Pass, KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, South Africa, December 2007

Pseudochloroptila symonsi, Crithagra symonsi

Identification

Length 13-14 cm, mass 11 g. Male: The head and neck are olive-green, streaked brownish, the back is olive-brown, and the rump greenish. The tail is dark brown and white and the wings are brown. The throat and breast are yellow-green and the rest of the underparts are pale brown. The eyes, legs and feet are brown and the bill is brownish horn, the upper mandible being darker than the lower. Female: Similar to the male, but browner.

This species should not be confused with any other species within its range.

Distribution

Lesotho highlands and adjacent highlands in South Africa.

Taxonomy

This species is monotypic.
Placed in genus Crithagra by Gill and Donsker and in Pseudochloroptila by Clements.

Habitat

High-altitude (2000-3000 m) heathlands, shrublands, grasslands and croplands.

Behaviour

Forages on the ground and in shrubs in pairs or small flocks. Food includes seeds, buds and insects.

References

Hockey PAR, Dean WRJ & Ryan PG (eds) 2005. Robert's Birds of Southern Africa, 7th edition. Cape Town: John Voelcker Bird Book Fund. ISBN 0620340533

External Links