Finches (Fringillidae)

Kipengere Seedeater (Serinus melanochrous) - HBW 15, p. 536

French: Serin des Kipengere German: Tansaniagirlitz Spanish: Serín de los Kipengere
Other common names: Tanzania Seedeater

Taxonomy: Serinus melanochrous Reichenow, 1900, Ukinga, southern Tanzania.
Has previously been placed in genus Crithagra, and more recent mitochondrial DNA analysis indicates distant relationship with present African congeners, but detailed consideration of all taxa in current genus is required before full generic revision can be made. This species and S. burtoni and S. rufobrunneus sometimes thought to form a superspecies; has been treated as conspecific with S. burtoni, but differs morphologically and vocally. Size and plumage suggest possible closer relationship with S. striolatus, but detailed DNA needed. Monotypic.

Distribution: Iringa and Njombe highlands, in S Tanzania.