Description

The African Citril Finch (Crithagra citrinelloides), also known as the Abyssinian Citril, is a species of African Finch. The African Citril Finch originates in Ethiopia, Eritrea to Western Kenya. The African Citril Finch is closely related to the Western and Southern Citril, to which it was formerly considered conspecific. From the Western Uganda the African Citril Finch can show a black face and bright yellow supercilium (plumage feature found on the heads of some bird species) or none at all. The upperparts of the African Citril finch for sale are green, dark-streaked or blackish, underparts of males are bright yellow or dull yellowish-green with rather heavy streaking on breast and flanks. The song of the African Citril is loud and Canary or Linnet-like, but sweeter in tone, with a clean piping whistle of three or four notes ‘tweet-ti-tu’.

Geography: Africa; southern Kenya, Tanzania to Malawi, Zimbabwe and northern Mozambique.

Song / Call: Click for African Citril Song

Size: 4.5″

Life Span: The African Citril is known to live 3-7 years.

Sexing: Monomorphic (visually hard to determine sex). DNA Testing is available to ensure desired gender for this pet finch.

Temperament: African Citrils are peaceable among themselves and other pet finches, and feel most secure in a closed enclosure compared to wire cages. African Citrils are a good natured pet bird, and are easy to care for with a lovely song.

Breeding: African Citrils are fairly easy to breed and come into breeding condition by late December through to March. African Citrils prefer Open Bamboo Nests, canary nests, and will weave a smaller cup using fine hairs, Nesting materials like coconut fibers and burlap. Adding camouflage – fake pine, flowers, and greenery – for privacy for the African Citril Finch is important.

Diet: Goldfinch Seed, Australian Blend Goldenfeast, Dried Egg Food, Mineral Grit, Cuttlefish Bone, and greens such as romaine lettuce, broccoli and dandelions, thistle seed.

DNA Testing

If there is no gender option listed for a bird on our website, that particular species is ‘monomorphic’, which means we’re unable to determine gender without purchasing DNA testing. DNA testing is an additional $149 per bird to guarantee preferred gender. DNA testing may add an additional 3-6 plus weeks to estimated delivery time to allow for gender results. See our FAQs for more info.