African Silverbill
NameAfrican Silverbill
Common NameAfrican Silverbill
Scientific NameEuodice cantans
FamilyEstrildidae
Wingspan (cm)13
Length (cm)10.5
Weight (g)10
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are sandy brown, becoming paler on the head and face. Underparts are buffy-white, contrasting with the darker brown wings and a blackish rump and tail. The bill is stout and conical, pale blue-grey in color.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft 'tsip' or 'tsee' contact calls and a quiet, chattering song.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Mauritania and Senegal east to Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia, and south to Angola and Zambia. Also introduced to some other regions.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Sandy brown upperparts, Pale buffy-white underparts, Dark rump and tail, Pale blue-grey conical bill
Description
The African Silverbill is a small, social finch characterized by its sandy brown upperparts and pale underparts. It is often found in dry, open habitats, foraging on the ground for seeds.
