White-throated canary explained

The white-throated canary (Crithagra albogularis) is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae.

Taxonomy

The white-throated canary was formerly placed in the genus Serinus but phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences found that the genus was polyphyletic.^[1] The genus was therefore split and a number of species including the white-throated canary were moved to the resurrected genus Crithagra.^{[2] [3]}

Description

The white-throated canary is a small bird about 15 cm long with generally dull-coloured plumage and a yellow or yellow-green rump. It has a heavy horn-coloured beak and brown irises. Its legs are brown. The male and female have similar external appearances, and juveniles resemble adults.^[4]

Distribution and habitat

It is found in Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland.

External links

• • White-throated canary - Species text in The Atlas of Southern African Birds.

Notes and References

1. Zuccon . Dario . Prŷs-Jones . Robert . Rasmussen . Pamela C. . Ericson . Per G.P. . 2012 . The phylogenetic relationships and generic limits of finches (Fringillidae) . Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution . 62 . 2 . 581–596 . 10.1016/j.ympev.2011.10.002 . 22023825.
2. Web site: Gill . Frank . Donsker . David . Finches, euphonias . World Bird List Version 5.2. International Ornithologists' Union. 5 June 2015 .
3. Swainson . William . William John Swainson . 1827 . On several forms in ornithology not hitherto defined . Zoological Journal . 3 . 348 .
4. Book: Roberts Birds of South Africa. 610 . G. R. . Mclachlan . R. . Liversidge . illustrated by Lighton, N. C. K.; Newman, K.; Adams, J.; Gronvöld, H.. 865 White-throated Seed-eater. 1978 . 4th . The Trustees of the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund.