Black-faced Waxbill
Estrilda erythronotos
Thornveld. Rump and underparts deep wine-red; bill and mask black.
Finches, Mannikins, Twinspots, Waxbills
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Fairly common resident. Identifying characteristics include black mask, barred wings and deep-red underparts. Female is slightly duller; less red. Immature is like female. Call is an ascending whistle ‘fwooee’. In pairs; flocks occur when not breeding. Found in dry and semi-arid thornveld and thick riverine scrub. Feeds mainly on the ground but flies into trees if disturbed. Seldom plentiful and probably nomadic much of the year.
Quick Facts
Size
12-13 cm - S
Names
A: Swartwangsysie
G: Schwarzwangenlerche
Bird Family
Small, conical-billed, ground- or grass-feeding seed-eaters, although some will also eat insects. They usually have colourful plumage, although females are usually more drab than males. They generally occur in pairs, or are gregarious when not breeding.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
Found in dry and semi-arid thornveld and thick riverine scrub.
