Lagonosticta larvata
The Black-faced Firefinch (Lagonosticta larvata) is a striking small passerine bird, a member of the Estrildidae family, commonly known as waxbills. Measuring approximately 10-11 cm (4-4.3 inches) in length and weighing around 8-11 grams, this species is characterized by its vivid crimson-red plumage across much of its underparts and flanks, contrasting with a greyish-brown back and wings. Its most distinctive field mark, giving it its name, is a prominent black face mask extending from the b...
This species primarily inhabits dry savanna grasslands, shrublands, and open woodlands, often favoring areas with scattered acacia trees and tall grasses, especially near water sources. They are typically found at low to moderate elevations.
Their diet consists mainly of small grass seeds, which they glean from the ground, supplemented by small insects and larvae, especially during the breeding season.
Black-faced Firefinches are diurnal birds, active from dawn to dusk, often spending the night roosting communally in dense bushes or tall grasses for safety. Their foraging strategy primarily involves gleaning small seeds from the ground, often scratching amongst leaf litter, and occasionally cat...
The Black-faced Firefinch has a widespread distribution across a broad belt of sub-Saharan Africa, primarily in West, Central, and Northeast Africa. Its breeding and resident range extends from Senegal eastward through Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and the Central African Re...
Least Concern
- The Black-faced Firefinch is one of the most distinctly marked firefinches, with its bold black facial mask setting it apart from its close relatives. - Despite its small size, it plays a significant role in African grassland ecosystems by consuming large quantities of weed seeds. - It is a kno...