Common Waxbill

The Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild), is native to sub-Saharan Africa but has been introduced to many other regions of the world. It is common throughout most of its range, inhabiting savanna grasslands, woodland and riverine bush, farmyards, gardens and orchards, preferring to be near water.

Description:

It is a small bird, it has a slender body with short rounded wings and a long graduated tail. The bright red bill of the adult is the colour of sealing wax. The plumage is mostly grey-brown, finely barred with dark brown. There is a red stripe through the eye and the cheeks. There is often a pinkish flush to the underparts and a reddish stripe along the centre of the belly depending on the subspecies. The rump is brown and the tail and vent are dark. Females are similar to the males but are paler with less red on the belly. Juveniles are duller with little or no red on the belly, fainter dark barring and a black bill.

Call:

A harsh di-di-di-JEE and tchertcher-preeee notes

Food:

This consists mainly of grass seeds, also insects and some fruit.

Breeding:

A pear shaped ball of criss-crossed grass stems, usually low down amongst dense vegetation. Four to seven white eggs are laid. They are incubated for 11 to 13 days and the young birds fledge 17 to 21 days after hatching. Both parents take part in incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. Nests may be parasitized by the Pin-tailed Whydah.

Conservation Status: - Least Concern

The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as widespread and common. This species has an extremely large range and the population trend appears to be stable.

Birdwatching:

These beautiful, little, confiding birds can be seen on the following Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures: -

Aves Arid Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure.

Aves Eastern Cape Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.

Aves Highlands / Tembe Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.

Aves KZN Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.

Aves North East Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.

Aves North West Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.

Aves Western Cape Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.

Aves West Coast Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.