Black-headed Canary

Common endemic resident. Male distinctive with chestnut wings and bold black head (a). In northwestern part of range, males have much white on the face and throat (b); this race sometimes considered a separate species: Damara Canary – Serinus leucolaemus. Females sparrow-like, but usually in association with the easily identified males. Immatures duller, more streaky above. Calls ‘sweea’ and has a subdued song. Pairs and flocks occur in dry regions, frequenting scrubby vegetation, rocky hillsides, cultivated lands and suburbia.