Estrilda rhodopyga
The Crimson-rumped Waxbill (*Estrilda rhodopyga*) is a charming and sprightly passerine belonging to the Estrildidae family, the Old World finches. Measuring a petite 10-11 cm in length and weighing a mere 6-9 grams, this slender bird boasts a predominantly grey-brown plumage, darker on the upperparts and paler below. Its most distinctive field mark, giving it its name, is a vibrant crimson-red rump, complemented by a striking dark stripe across the eye and small red spots on its flanks. Its ...
This adaptable waxbill inhabits a variety of open and semi-open landscapes, primarily favoring grasslands, savannas, bushlands, and dense thickets, particularly near permanent water sources, from sea level up to 2,000 meters in elevation.
Their diet consists predominantly of small grass seeds, which they glean from the ground or directly from grass heads, supplemented with small insects (such as termites and aphids) particularly during the breeding season.
Crimson-rumped Waxbills are diurnal and highly gregarious, typically foraging and moving in small, active flocks of 10-30 individuals, sometimes mingling with other Estrildids. They are primarily ground-gleaners, meticulously picking seeds from grass stalks or the ground with quick, agile movemen...
The Crimson-rumped Waxbill is broadly distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting a wide belt from West Africa eastward across the Sahel and into East Africa, extending southwards. Its range covers countries such as Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Keny...
Least Concern
- The Crimson-rumped Waxbill's scientific name, *Estrilda rhodopyga*, literally translates from Greek to "red-rumped," highlighting its most distinctive feature. - Despite its vibrant rump, the majority of its plumage is a subtle grey-brown, providing excellent camouflage amidst dry grasses. - Ma...