Cardinal Quelea
NameCardinal Quelea
Common NameCardinal Quelea
Scientific NameQuelea cardinalis
FamilyPloceidae
Wingspan (cm)19
Length (cm)12
Weight (g)15
Plumage DetailsBreeding males feature a vibrant red head, face, and throat, contrasting with a black bill, streaky brown-olive upperparts, and whitish underparts. Females and non-breeding males are duller, with more streaky brown plumage and less or no red.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft 'tsip' or 'chick' notes, often given while foraging or in flight, and a chattering song during breeding displays.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in East Africa, ranging from Sudan and Ethiopia south through Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and parts of DR Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Identifying FeaturesMale's bright red head and throat (breeding plumage), Small, stocky weaver body shape, Streaky brown upperparts, Black conical bill
Description
The Cardinal Quelea is a small, stocky weaver known for the male's striking red head and throat during breeding season. These social birds typically forage in grasslands and savannas, feeding primarily on seeds.
