Common Waxbill
Estrilda astrild
Tiny finch feeding on seeds near water in grasslands and savannas.
| Scientific name | Estrilda astrild |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Kipepeo wa kawaida |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Estrildidae |
| Size | Male: approximately 10-11 cm, weight about 8-12 g; female: slightly smaller and somewhat lighter |
How to identify
Small-sized body; overall gray-brown plumage with reddish tones; distinctive red bill; cheeks and belly with fine white spots; short tail feathers
Habitat
Open grasslands, sparse wooded savannas, bushes, and edges of farmland, commonly near water sources
Diet
Primarily feeds on small seeds, occasionally consuming insects and other small invertebrates
When it is active
Diurnal, active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk
Where it lives
Widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya and the Masai Mara region
How to spot it
Look for them at dawn or dusk in open grasslands or bush edges, note the red bill and white spots, binoculars recommended
Photography tips
Use a telephoto lens to capture details, shoot in soft morning or evening light, keep background simple to highlight bird’s colors
Threats
Habitat loss and fragmentation, local trapping in some areas
Similar species
Red-billed Waxbill (Estrilda rhodopyga), distinguished by more pronounced red cheeks and brighter plumage
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