White-bellied Canary

Weißbauchgirlitz

The Weißbauchgirlitz ( Serinus dorsostriatus, in older literature also Dendrospiza dorsostriata ) is a species in the finch family. The species is occasionally kept as an ornamental bird in Europe.

We distinguish several subspecies. The IUCN classifies the Weißbauchgirlitz one as not at risk ( least concern ).

Appearance

The Weißbauchgirlitz reaches a body length of 11.5 to 13 centimeters. The plumage coloration is girlitzartig on the body top. The forehead, the eyes glancing over, cheeks and underparts are yellow. From the beak base starting runs a black, not sharply defined beard Streif. Females have similar plumage coloration. However, they are less strongly colored yellow on the underside and on the head and dashed lines are stronger at these points.

The Weißbauchgirlitz can be confused with the Mosambikgirlitz. However, unlike the Weißbauchgirlitz Mosambikgirlitz has a very sharply drawn beard Streif. The Weißbauchgirlitz also has a long tail feathers.

Distribution and habitat

The distribution area of Weißbauchgirlitz is the East Africa. It ranges from Ethiopia and Somalia through Kenya and Uganda to Tanzania. In some areas of its range it still occurs at an altitude of 2,650 meters, but he is usually found at altitudes 400-1400 m.

The habitat of the Weißbauchgirlitz are savannas and bush rich side. Especially frequently it is found near impenetrable thorn thickets. The Weißbauchgirlitz has also opened up human settlement area and occurs on paths, fields and plantations.

Way of life

The Weißbauchgirlitz seeks its food primarily on the ground, but sometimes in low bushes. He lives mostly solitary, occasionally may squads of up to six individuals are observed.

The nest is built by the female. The incubation period is 14 to 16 days and only the female parent bird nests. Also in the first week of life they alone supplied and brooded by the female. The male parent bird participates in the second week of the nestlings in the breeding. The nestling period is seventeen to nineteen days. The young birds are supplied after leaving the nest another two weeks of the parents birds until they are self-employed.