Red-billed Quelea
Image: bornfeta (cc-by-nc)
NameRed-billed Quelea
Common NameRed-billed Quelea
Scientific NameQuelea quelea
FamilyPloceidae
Wingspan (cm)11
Length (cm)12.5
Weight (g)17.5
Plumage DetailsMales in breeding plumage have a distinctive pinkish-red face mask and a bright red bill, with streaky brown upperparts and whitish underparts. Females and non-breeding males are duller, primarily streaky brown with a red bill and a buffy supercilium.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations consist of a variety of chattering, twittering, and buzzing notes, often creating a noisy din when large flocks are present.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatssavanna, grassland, shrubland, agricultural land
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, excluding dense forests and extreme deserts.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Red bill, Streaky brown plumage, Males with pinkish-red face mask (breeding), Highly gregarious behavior
Description
The Red-billed Quelea is a small, finch-like bird known for forming massive flocks, sometimes numbering in the millions. These highly gregarious birds are often considered agricultural pests due to their consumption of cultivated grains.
