 This species is phylogenetically included within the group of "Serinus syriacus" now thriving around Mt.Lebanon and other Asian and African patches in winter, together with "Serinus canicollis" (African distribution) and "Serinus pusillus" (Asian distribution) Arnaiz-Villena et al., 1999

The Damara canary is a common and gregarious seed-eater, forming flocks of up to 200 birds.Its call is a low "tseett", and the male's song is a jumble of unmusical notes.