Red-billed Quelea
Image: kokoreva46452 (cc-by-nc)
NameRed-billed Quelea
Common NameRed-billed Quelea
Scientific NameQuelea quelea
FamilyPloceidae
Wingspan (cm)12
Length (cm)12.5
Weight (g)20
Plumage DetailsBreeding males have a prominent black facial mask, a bright red bill, and a pinkish wash on the underparts, with streaky brown upperparts. Females and non-breeding males are duller, primarily streaky brown with a yellowish or reddish bill and lack the black mask.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of chirps, twitters, and buzzing notes, often very noisy, especially within their large colonies and roosts.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatssavanna, grassland, agricultural land, open woodland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, excluding dense forests and extreme deserts.
Identifying Featuressmall, sparrow-like size, red bill (especially prominent in breeding males), black facial mask (breeding males), streaky brown plumage, highly gregarious behavior
Description
The Red-billed Quelea is a small, highly gregarious passerine bird native to sub-Saharan Africa. Known for forming massive flocks, it is often considered the most numerous wild bird species on Earth. Males in breeding plumage display a distinctive black facial mask and a bright red bill.
