Red-headed Bluebill
NameRed-headed Bluebill
Common NameRed-headed Bluebill
Scientific NameSpermophaga ruficapilla
FamilyEstrildidae
Wingspan (cm)19
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)17
Plumage DetailsAdult males have a crimson red head, throat, and breast, with the rest of the body, wings, and tail being black. Their bill is bright blue with a black tip. Females are duller, with red restricted to the face and a greyish-brown body, also possessing a blue bill.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft, high-pitched 'tsit' or 'seep' calls, often given as a rapid trill or a series of quiet chirps.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Central Africa, its range extends from Cameroon eastward through the Democratic Republic of Congo to Uganda, and south to Angola.
Identifying FeaturesMale's crimson red head and black body, Bright blue bill with black tip, Shy and secretive behavior, Sexual dimorphism (females duller)
Description
This small, shy finch is known for its striking sexual dimorphism. Males boast a vibrant crimson head and breast contrasting with a black body and a distinctive blue bill, while females are duller. They typically forage for seeds and insects in dense undergrowth.
