Crimson-rumped Waxbill
NameCrimson-rumped Waxbill
Common NameCrimson-rumped Waxbill
Scientific NameEstrilda rhodopyga
FamilyEstrildidae
Wingspan (cm)13
Length (cm)10.5
Weight (g)7.5
Plumage DetailsGrey crown and nape, pale grey face with a prominent crimson stripe through the eye. Upperparts are brownish-grey, underparts buffy-brown. Rump and upper tail-coverts are crimson, extending onto the flanks. The bill is dark grey to black.
Vocalization / CallSoft 'tsip' or 'tseep' calls, often given while foraging or in flight.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across East Africa, from Sudan and Eritrea south through Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and parts of DR Congo. Also has a disjunct population in West Africa.
Identifying FeaturesCrimson eye-stripe, Crimson rump and flanks, Grey head, Small size, Brownish body
Description
This small, slender finch is characterized by its distinctive crimson eye-stripe and rump. It typically forages in small flocks, feeding on grass seeds in open habitats.
