Locustfinch
NameLocustfinch
Common NameLocustfinch
Scientific NamePaludipasser locustella
FamilyEstrildidae
Wingspan (cm)16
Length (cm)10.5
Weight (g)10
Plumage DetailsMales have a grey head, bright red bill, olive-brown back, and blackish underparts with prominent white barring. The rump and sides of the tail are red. Females are similar but duller, with less extensive red and often more streaked underparts.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include high-pitched 'seep' calls and a distinctive buzzing or insect-like trill, particularly during display flights.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in a disjunct distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, from West Africa (e.g., Sierra Leone, Liberia) to Central and East Africa (e.g., Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Tanzania, Angola).
Identifying Featuresbright red bill, grey head, barred underparts, red rump, small size
Description
A small, stocky finch characterized by its bright red bill and distinctive barred plumage. It typically inhabits damp grasslands and marshes, often found foraging on the ground for seeds.
