C. g. humilis of the southwestern Cape has dusky plumage and indistinctly streaked upperparts.

The head has a finely white-streaked crown, dark face, and white supercilium and chin.

Its habitat is open woodland and scrub, including savanna, orchards, and gardens.

The streaky-headed seedeater is usually seen in pairs, but can be gregarious, forming large flocks, alone or with other canary species.

It feeds on soft fruit, weed seeds and buds, and sometimes takes insects.