Swee Waxbill
NameSwee Waxbill
Common NameSwee Waxbill
Scientific NameCoccopygia melanotis
FamilyEstrildidae
Wingspan (cm)13
Length (cm)9.5
Weight (g)7.5
Plumage DetailsMales have a grey crown and nape, a prominent black face mask, and a white band separating the mask from the grey throat and breast. The back and wings are olive-brown, the belly is pale grey, and the rump and uppertail coverts are a striking crimson. Females are similar but lack the black face mask, having a grey face instead.
Vocalization / CallA soft, high-pitched 'swee' or 'tsee' call, often repeated, sometimes incorporating a soft trilling song.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, primarily in eastern and southern regions, from Ethiopia south to South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Black face mask (males), White throat band, Bright crimson rump, Red bill with black culmen
Description
A small, colorful finch characterized by its distinctive black face mask (in males) and bright crimson rump. This species is typically found foraging on the ground or in low vegetation, often in pairs or small flocks.
