Least Concern Birds

Blue-breasted Cordon-bleu

Uraeginthus angolensis

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

Scientific name	Uraeginthus angolensis
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Zosteropidae
Size	Male: approximately 9-10 grams; Female: approximately 8-9 grams

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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

📖 how to spot the blue breasted cordon bleu on safari