Lemon-breasted Canary

The Lemon-breasted Canary, or Lemon-breasted Seedeater, is a charming finch species belonging to the Fringillidae family. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the males boast a distinctive lemon-yellow breast, while the females are adorned with more subdued cream and brown plumage. Both sexes share a vibrant yellow rump and a bicolored beak, with the upper mandible presenting a darker hue compared to the lower. Males further distinguish themselves with white and yellow cheek patches and two yellow and white spots above their beaks. Nestlings can be identified by the yellow edges of their beaks.

Identification Tips

To identify the Lemon-breasted Canary, look for the male's bright yellow breast and cheek patches, and the female's cream and brown feathers. Both sexes have a yellow rump and a bicolored beak. The absence of subspecies means that variations are minimal, though slight regional differences may occur.

Habitat

These birds favor dry savannahs, subtropical or tropical dry shrublands, and rural gardens. They are particularly fond of nesting in certain palm species, where they skillfully weave the brown palm fibers into the exterior of their nests.

Distribution

The Lemon-breasted Canary is found in southeastern Africa, with its range extending through Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Behaviour

Outside the breeding season, these canaries are sedentary and partially nomadic within their range. These birds are monogamous, territorial, and tend to be solitary.

Song & Calls

The male's song is a brief, rapid, and somewhat tuneless twittering, delivered in a series of rising and falling notes.

Breeding

During breeding, which spans from December to May but peaks in January and February, males engage in simple courtship displays characterized by singing and a raised posture with slightly extended wings. The Lemon-breasted Canary's courtship is less intricate than that of other finches, relying mainly on the male's vocalizations and display postures.

Conservation status

The Lemon-breasted Canary is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Although experiencing a mild decline due to habitat pressures and the cage bird trade, the species is adaptable and has shown population increases in areas like the deforested Shire Valley of Malawi.