Description
The Cape Siskin averages 13 cm in length. The flight feathers and tail have white spots on the tips which are diagnostic for both sexes, and especially visible in flight. The adult male has a light brown back, wing coverts, rump and upper tail and yellow underparts. The head, nape and sides of neck are yellowish grey and olive. Fine dark brown streaks are most prominent on the head and the sides of the throat.
The female is similar but duller; she lacks grey on the head and has more streaking on the face and breast. The juvenile plumage is much like the female’s but duller and with darker or browner underparts.
There is no range overlap with the slightly larger Drakensberg Siskin, which lacks the white spots on the flight feathers and tail and has less uniform upperparts.
The Cape Siskin’s call is a voyp-veeyr, often given in flight. and the song is a weak, pleasant warble similar to the Yellow-fronted Canary.
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