Cape Siskin Crithagra totta

A small, flighty, brown-lemon siskin of fynbos heathland, forest edge, plantations, and gullies in the arid Karoo; partial to rocky outcrops. The lemon rump, visible in flight, and the white-tipped tail and wing feathers most easily identify it. The male has a yellowish throat and underparts; the female is browner with a lightly streaked throat. The species is most often found in small groups of 2-10 individuals. A high-pitched two-note “tcheew-cheee” contact call frequently leads to detection. The similar Cape Canary has a distinctive gray hindneck and lacks the Cape Siskin’s white on the wings and tail.