Delacourella capistrata
The Grey-headed Oliveback (Delacourella capistrata) is a diminutive yet striking estrildid finch, measuring approximately 10-11 cm in length and weighing a mere 7-10 grams. Its most distinctive field mark is the contrasting slate-grey head, covering the crown, nape, and ear-coverts, sharply set against a vibrant olive-green back and wings. The underparts transition from a yellowish-olive on the throat and breast to a paler yellow on the belly, while a brilliant crimson rump provides a flash o...
This species primarily inhabits humid tropical and subtropical lowland forests, favoring forest edges, clearings, and dense undergrowth within secondary growth. It is found from sea level up to approximately 1800 meters elevation.
Its diet mainly consists of small grass seeds and other plant seeds, supplemented with tiny insects such as termites and aphids. It forages primarily by gleaning from the ground and low vegetation.
The Grey-headed Oliveback is primarily a diurnal species, typically observed singly, in pairs, or small family groups, often keeping to the dense undergrowth. They are adept at foraging, gleaning small seeds—especially from grasses—and occasional tiny insects like termites or aphids directly from...
The Grey-headed Oliveback boasts a widespread yet somewhat disjunct distribution across West and Central Africa, indicative of historical habitat fragmentation. Its range spans from Sierra Leone eastward through Liberia, Ivory Coast, and Ghana in West Africa, representing the nominate subspecies ...
Least Concern
- The Grey-headed Oliveback holds the unique distinction of being the sole species within its genus, Delacourella, making it a monotypic genus. - Despite its vibrant crimson rump and olive-green body, this finch can be surprisingly inconspicuous, often remaining hidden within dense undergrowth. -...