Thick-billed Seedeater

Serinus burtoni

Other Names

    Serin de Burton, Serin à bec large   Dickschnabelgirlitz   Serín de Burton     Burton cini   Canarino becco grosso

World: Afrotropical mainly in the highlands of East Africa and eastern Zaire, but with populations in Angola and Cameroon.

Kenya: Fairly common between 1700-3000m W of 38°E and S of 2°N. This represents the northern and eastern limits of its range.

There are 3 sub-species present in Kenya, Serinus b. albifrons (pictured above) which is found east of the Rift Valley, S. b. tanganjicae which is found w of the Rift Valley and S. b. kilimensis found in the south of the country. The race albifrons has a distinctive white patch on its forehead and can be seen around Mt Kenya (this photograph was taken at Naro Moru River Lodge). They are generally found foraging for seeds and fruits in small groups either in undergrowth or in low branches.