Violet-eared Waxbill
Uraeginthus granatinus
Dry thornveld. Both sexes have violet ear coverts and red bills.
LC
Near Endemic
Description
Common near-endemic resident. When seen clearly, both sexes are unmistakable. Can be identified in flight by long tail (often appears broad). Immature is duller than female. The often-repeated call is ‘tiu-woowee’; also has a buzzy flight call. Pairs, often in company with [Blue Waxbill], occur in dry thornveld, especially sandveld. Feeds on the ground, flying into thickets when disturbed. Is host to Shaft-tailed Whydah.
Quick Facts
Size
15 cm - S
Names
A: Koningblousysie
G: Granatastrild, Blaubäckchen
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
Pairs, often in company with [Blue Waxbill], occur in dry thornveld, especially sandveld. Feeds on the ground, flying into thickets when disturbed.
