75. Streaky Seedeater At this time of year when there are still plenty of seeds around for seedeaters to eat, a very common bird in Africama’s garden, often in small flocks, as well as in Kenya and Ethiopia more generally, is the Streaky Seedeater (Crithagra striolata). A previous list of Africama birds contained an entry ‘Streaky-headed Seedeater’, and until writing this, I have been assuming that was correct. But it turns out that, though there is indeed a bird of that name (Crithagra gularis), it is a Southern African bird and (it seems) confined to that region. It would seem to be a mistaken identification. Not only are the ranges non-overlapping (that can, of course, change over time), there are some differences in appearance – the back of striolata is patterned in a more defined way while gularis is plainer, only indistinctly patterned – and the songs differ. Especially for someone used to the birds of Southern Africa, like me, there is, evidently, always a danger when looking at something that seems very familiar, but is not quite the same: the feeling that “Oh, I know that one!” is satisfying alright, but can be misleading. Compare the two pictures and see what you think. Birds of AFRICAMA House 154 Birds of AFRICAMA House 155