Cut-throat Finch
NameCut-throat Finch
Common NameCut-throat Finch
Scientific NameAmadina fasciata
FamilyEstrildidae
Wingspan (cm)13
Length (cm)12.5
Weight (g)12.5
Plumage DetailsMales have a broad, bright red band across the throat. Both sexes display brown upperparts with fine black barring and white underparts with dark brown scaling, creating a mottled appearance. They possess a pale, conical bill, and females lack the red throat band.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft, high-pitched chirps, trills, and buzzing notes, often given in contact calls within a flock.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Ethiopia and south to Angola and northern South Africa, avoiding dense forests and deserts.
Identifying FeaturesRed throat band (male), Scaly brown and white plumage, Pale, conical bill, Small, stout finch body
Description
The Cut-throat Finch is a small, stout finch characterized by its distinctive scaly plumage and, in males, a prominent red band across the throat. These social birds are typically found foraging on the ground in small flocks, primarily feeding on seeds.
