The African firefinch, also called the blue-billed firefinch, is a common species of estrildid finch found in many parts of Africa. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 5,400,000 km2 (2,100,000 sq mi).
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across much of sub-Saharan Africa, from parts of West and Central Africa through East Africa and into southern Africa. Prefers dense, moist thickets, forest edges, riverine vegetation, rank grass, and secondary growth. Often near water or damp gullies and can enter overgrown gardens, plantations, and field margins. Avoids open treeless grasslands and very arid habitats, keeping close to cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as the blue-billed firefinch, this small estrildid finch favors dense undergrowth and is often heard before it is seen. It is generally shy, moving low through cover and making short, darting flights. Pairs frequently duet, and the male gives a sweet, tinkling song from a concealed perch.
Male African firefinch ssp. L. r. haematocephala. Sakania, The Democratic Republic of the Congo
Female African firefinch ssp. L. r. rubricata. KwaZulu-Natal
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, keeping close to dense cover. Monogamous pairs build a domed, grass nest low in thick vegetation. Both sexes participate in nesting duties and keep a low profile while breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, sweet series of tinkling trills and whistles delivered from a low, concealed perch. Contact calls are thin tsip notes, and pairs often duet quietly while foraging.
Plumage
Rich red underparts and face with brown to olive-brown upperparts; tail dark. Fine white spotting or speckling may show on the flanks and vent. Bill distinctly blue-grey to slate, contrasting with the red tones.
Diet
Primarily takes small grass and herb seeds, often picking from the ground or low stems. Supplements with small invertebrates such as termites and other insects, especially during the breeding season. Will also take green seeds and fallen grain where available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the ground or in low vegetation within dense thickets, along forest edges, and in riverine scrub. Frequently uses shaded, damp margins of streams, overgrown gardens, and field edges where cover is abundant.
