Black headed canary

Introduction: Black-headed canaries (Serinus alario) inhabit arid to semi-arid shrublands on rocky hillsides, desert grassland with scattered trees and bushes and coastal Karoo shrubland. Small to large flocks are common, otherwise in pairs or family groups when breeding.

Distribution: Range extends from Damaraland south through Nama and Succulent Karoo to the Fish River Canyon and the Orange River.
Diet: Eats mainly seeds of grasses.

Description: Black head and neck with a white nuchal collar that extends to the white sides of the upper breast. The back and rump are chestnut or russet coloured. Alario is a Latin word derived alarius meaning 'on the wing' or 'a flier' presumably referring to their nomadic activity.
Breeding: From 2 to 5 eggs are laid in a deep dry grass cup, incubated for around 14 days.

Size: 12cm.

Weight: 12g.