About Euodice cantans (Gmelin, 1789)
Euodice cantans, commonly known as the African silverbill, measures approximately 10 cm (3.9 in) in length and has a long, black, pointed tail. Adults have a short, thick silver-blue bill, finely vermiculated light-brown upper parts, whitish underparts, a black rump, and black wings. Males and females have similar plumage, while immature individuals do not have the vermiculated pattern seen on adults. This species produces a tseep call and a trilling song. The male's contact call is a single tseep, while the female's contact call is a double-noted tsiptsip. Birds in flight give a constant sequence of tseep calls. The subspecies E. c. orientalis has darker facial feathers and upperparts than the species' other subspecies. This species is widespread across savanna regions, arid landscapes with thorn bushes, and grasslands with acacias, as well as in dry grassland. It can also be found in cultivated areas. It is naturally a dry-country bird. It occurs primarily in lowland areas, but can be found at altitudes up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft).
