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HighlandKalalama Camp

Streaky Seedeater

Crithagra striolata

A boldly streaked seedeater of forest edges and rank vegetation, common from Kalalama through the middle circuit.

Streaky Seedeater (Crithagra striolata) in the Rwenzori Mountains
14 cm / 5.5"
Size
1,300–4,300 m
Altitude in the Rwenzori
Highland
Status
Identification

How to recognise it

The widespread nominate race has a bold facial pattern with a well-defined creamy-white supercilium, heavy streaking above and below, and variable greenish edges to the primaries.

Calls & Song

What it sounds like

The song has a forced, thrush-like quality and often ends with a soft rattle, sung in short phrases or as a continuous refrain. The cheerful call is a loud, upslurred whistle, "siyuya".

Distribution

Where you'll find it

Common and widespread in the mountains from 1,300 m to 4,300 m, inhabiting forest edges and rank vegetation. In the Rwenzori it is seen from Kalalama Camp along the way to Bugata Camp and back to Samalira and Kihalo camps, using insects and small beetles in short grass and rocky areas, and seeds of various Vernonia plants.

Behaviour — Feeding

Diet

Feeds on soft fruit, weed seeds and buds, and takes insects mostly when raising young.

Breeding & Nesting

Nesting

Favours open areas and scrub, building a cup nest in the thickest part of a bush for its two eggs.

Movement & Local Notes

On the trail

A resident, not a migrant; makes short, random movements outside the breeding season. Seen from Kalalama through the whole middle circuit in all seasons; rarely found outside the National Park.

Hoping to see the Streaky Seedeater?

Our guides know where to find it along the Kilembe Trail. Let us build a trek around the birds you most want to see.