Least Concern Birds

Blue-breasted Cordon-bleu

Uraeginthus angolensis

Blue-breasted Cordon-bleu eats small seeds and insects in African savannas and gardens.

Quick facts

Blue-breasted Cordon-bleu (Uraeginthus angolensis) is a Birds you may encounter across Mainly distributed in southern and eastern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Angola and surrounding areas; present in Maasai Mara National Reserve. It prefers Open sparse woodland grasslands, bushes, edges of farmland and gardens, feeds mainly on Primarily feeds on small seeds, also consumes insects and other small invertebrates, and is most active Diurnal, active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk. On the IUCN Red List it is listed as Least Concern.

Scientific name	Uraeginthus angolensis
Conservation status	Least Concern
Sighting difficulty	Hard
Best season	Green season (Nov–Apr)
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Zosteropidae
Size	Male: approximately 9-10 grams; Female: approximately 8-9 grams

See this species in the app

How to identify

Small-sized bird; male has bright blue head and chest; abdomen is pale pink; tail is short and blue; female has duller colors with less prominent blue

Habitat

Open sparse woodland grasslands, bushes, edges of farmland and gardens

Diet

Primarily feeds on small seeds, also consumes insects and other small invertebrates

When it is active

Diurnal, active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk

Where it lives

Mainly distributed in southern and eastern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Angola and surrounding areas; present in Maasai Mara National Reserve

How to spot it

Observe early morning or late afternoon in open grasslands or at bush edges, note their active flock behavior; use binoculars or telephoto lenses for photography

Photography tips

Use natural lighting, choose simple backgrounds like bushes or sky, capture flight or feeding movements, use telephoto lenses to minimize disturbance

Threats

Habitat destruction and pesticide use may affect food sources; bird trapping is infrequent

Similar species

Similar to Red-billed Blue Finch (Uraeginthus angolensis) and Blue Finch (Uraeginthus granatina), but Blue Waxbill has more vivid coloration and a larger blue area

Field guide notes

How to Spot the Blue-breasted Cordon-bleu on an African Safari

The Blue-breasted Cordon-bleu is one of the most sought-after species to track on an African safari, and knowing its habits turns a hopeful search into a confident one. This field guide breaks down how to recognise the Blue-breasted Cordon-bleu at a glance, the habitats and times of day that reward patient searching, and the practical tracking craft guides rely on. Read it before you set out and you will spend less time scanning empty bush and more time watching the animal itself.

Small-sized bird; male has bright blue head and chest; abdomen is pale pink; tail is short and blue; female has duller colors with less prominent blue

Concentrate your search for the Blue-breasted Cordon-bleu in Open sparse woodland grasslands, bushes, edges of farmland and gardens, the habitat where it feels most secure and finds its food. It is most active Diurnal, active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk, so plan your game drives around those hours rather than the heat of midday. Across the continent the species ranges through Mainly distributed in southern and eastern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Angola and surrounding areas; present in Maasai Mara National Reserve, and within that range the richest sightings come where prime habitat meets low human disturbance.

Finding the Blue-breasted Cordon-bleu starts long before you see it. Learn the habitat it depends on — Open sparse woodland grasslands, bushes, edges of farmland and gardens — and you narrow the search from an entire landscape to a handful of promising corners. Animals are not scattered at random; they sit where food, water, cover and safety overlap, and the Blue-breasted Cordon-bleu is no exception.

FAQ

Where is the best place to see a Blue-breasted Cordon-bleu?

The Blue-breasted Cordon-bleu ranges across Mainly distributed in southern and eastern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Angola and surrounding areas; present in Maasai Mara National Reserve, but distribution alone is only half the story. Your best odds come inside well-managed protected areas within that range where its preferred habitat — Open sparse woodland grasslands, bushes, edges of farmland and gardens — is extensive and healthy. Reserves with low vehicle traffic and experienced guiding teams consistently deliver the closest, calmest sightings.

Is the Blue-breasted Cordon-bleu easy to see on safari?

That depends on how secretive the species is and how well you time your search. Because the Blue-breasted Cordon-bleu is most active Diurnal, active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk, aligning your game drives with those hours dramatically improves your chances. Travelling with a guide who knows the local individuals and their movements matters more than luck.

What should I take to help me find the Blue-breasted Cordon-bleu?

A decent pair of binoculars is the single most useful tool, ideally 8x42 or 10x42 for a bright, steady image. A field guide or the SafariLingo app helps you confirm the identification and rule out look-alike species. Neutral clothing, patience and a willingness to sit quietly do the rest.

📖 how to spot the blue breasted cordon bleu on safari