This species is listed as Near Threatened because it was thought
to have a moderately small range, which is suspected to be in
decline owing to the clearance and degradation of its habitat,
while a dam project threatens the habitat of the species in its
Namibian range. The range has been mapped and found to be larger
than once thought, and clarification of the likely population
size and trend are needed to confirm whether the species
warrants maintaining as Near Threatened. Dowsett, R. J.; Forbes-
Watson, A. D. 1993. Checklist of birds of the Afrotropical and
Malagasy regions. Tauraco Press, Li Sibley, C. G.; Monroe, B. L.
1990. Distribution and taxonomy of birds of the world. Yale
University Press, New Haven, USA. Clement, P.; Harris, A.;
Davis, J. 1993. Finches and sparrows: an identification guide.
Christopher Helm, London. Harrison, J. A.; Allan, D. G.;
Underhill, L. G.; Herremans, M.; Tree, A. J.; Parker, V.; Brown,
C. J. 1997. The atlas of southern African birds. BirdLife South
Africa, Johannesburg. Dean