Corsican Finch

Korsikazeisig (Carduelis corsicana )

The Korsikazeisig (Carduelis corsicana ), also known as Corsican or Corsican Zitronenzeisig Zitronengirlitz, is a species in the finch family ( Fringillidae ). For a long time he was placed in the genus of European Serins ( Serinus ), but he is apparently related more closely with the Goldfinch ( Carduelis carduelis ).

Appearance

The Korsikazeisig is yellowish green colored and marked diffuse. He is 12 cm long. The short conical beak is pointed. In the dark wings are two yellowish-green wing-bars. In contrast to Zitronenzeisig the top is rusty brown colored with dark stripes and the bottom of intensive light yellow.

Dissemination

The Korsikazeisig is widespread on the islands of Corsica, Sardinia, Elba, Capraia and Gorgona.

System

The Korsikazeisig has been done formally as a subspecies of Zitronenzeisigs, but it differs from it both in morphology and in the vocal range ( Cramp and Perrins 1994 Förschler and Kalko 2007). This assumption is confirmed by studies of mitochondrial DNA ( Sangster, 2000), so that the Korsikazeisig is now run as an independent species ( Sangster et al., 2002).