Estrilda poliopareia
The Anambra Waxbill (Estrilda poliopareia) is a petite and exquisitely marked passerine, measuring approximately 10 cm (4 inches) in length and weighing around 8-10 grams. Its most distinctive features include a delicate greyish head, especially noticeable on the cheeks and forecrown, contrasting with warm brown upperparts and wings. A striking crimson-red rump provides a flash of color during flight, while its underparts are a pale buff to whitish. Identification in the field relies heavily ...
Found in lowland freshwater wetlands, particularly preferring dense reed beds, tall grasslands, and overgrown fields near water bodies, including rice paddies and the edges of cultivation.
Feeds predominantly on small grass and sedge seeds, supplemented by tiny invertebrates, gleaned from the ground or vegetation.
Anambra Waxbills are primarily diurnal, spending their days foraging actively on the ground or among dense low vegetation, often returning to thickets for nocturnal roosting. They exhibit a highly gregarious nature, typically moving in small, cohesive flocks of 4-10 individuals, occasionally form...
The Anambra Waxbill is primarily endemic to southern Nigeria, with its core distribution centered around the lower Niger River basin, including the Anambra River region, Niger Delta, and extending into Cross River State. There are historical and sparse records from southwestern Cameroon, suggesti...
Vulnerable
- The Anambra Waxbill is endemic to a very restricted region in West Africa, making it a rare and specialized species. - Its scientific name, 'poliopareia', is derived from Greek, meaning 'grey-cheeked', a key field mark for identification. - It is one of the smallest waxbill species, emphasizing...