Estrilda atricapilla
The Black-headed Waxbill (Estrilda atricapilla) is a diminutive and engaging member of the Estrildidae family, known for its striking plumage and highly social nature. Averaging around 10 cm (4 inches) in length and weighing just 7-10 grams, it features a distinctive velvety black cap extending from the forehead to the nape, contrasting sharply with its greyish-brown upperparts and flanks, and a prominent crimson-red rump and uppertail-coverts. Its underparts are a pale buff or whitish, with ...
This species primarily inhabits open grasslands, savannas, forest edges, clearings, and cultivated areas, often near water sources. It is typically found at elevations ranging from lowlands up to 2,800 meters (9,000 feet), occasionally higher.
Primarily granivorous, their diet consists mainly of small grass seeds, supplemented by termites and other small insects, particularly during the breeding season to provide protein for their young. They primarily forage on the ground or by climbing grass stalks.
Black-headed Waxbills are highly diurnal and gregarious birds, often observed foraging in small parties or large mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes roosting communally in dense vegetation at night. Their foraging strategy involves gleaning small grass seeds from the groun...
The Black-headed Waxbill exhibits a fragmented distribution across Central Africa, primarily residing in a broad band from southern Nigeria and Cameroon eastward through the Congo Basin, extending into Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, western Kenya, and parts of northern Angola and Zambia. Four recognize...
Least Concern
- The Black-headed Waxbill's distinctive black cap gives it the appearance of wearing a perfectly fitted skullcap, earning it its common name. - Despite their small size, these waxbills are incredibly agile fliers, capable of quick, darting movements through dense vegetation. - Their elaborate, g...