Description
The Drakensberg Siskin averages 13–14 cm in length. The tail has white sides, a feature which is diagnostic for both sexes, and especially visible in flight. The adult male has a faintly streaked light brown back, light brown wing coverts, rump and upper tail, and yellow underparts. The head and nape sides are yellowish grey and olive. The throat is bright yellow, but the rest of the underparts are a somewhat duller shade.
The female has similar but duller upperparts and has no yellow in the plumage. The head and underparts are buff with much fine dark brown streaks on the head and breast. The juvenile plumage is much like the female’s but with heavier streaking.
There is no range overlap with the slightly smaller Cape Siskin, which has white spots on the flight feathers and tail and more uniform upperparts.
The Drakensberg Siskin’s call is a schwee, often given in flight. and the song, like that of Cape Siskin, is a weak, pleasant warble similar to the Yellow-fronted Canary.
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