The African silverbill is a small passerine bird formerly considered conspecific with the Asian species Indian silverbill,. This estrildid finch is a common resident breeding bird in dry savanna habitat, south of the Sahara Desert. This species has also been introduced to other countries such as Portugal, Qatar and United States.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa (Sahel to East Africa)
Typical Environment
Native across dry savannas and thorn scrub from West Africa east to the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, extending into northern East Africa. It frequents open grasslands, acacia woodland edges, cultivated fields, and village outskirts, especially where seeding grasses are abundant. The species avoids dense forest and very wet regions but can occur near seasonal water. It has been introduced and is locally established outside Africa, including parts of the Arabian Peninsula, Portugal, and the United States.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
The African silverbill is a small estrildid finch of dry savannas and thorn scrub, often forming tight, chattering flocks. It was formerly lumped with the Indian silverbill but differs in having a brown rump and subtly scaled flanks. Pairs weave neat, ball-shaped nests in thorny bushes and sometimes reuse weaver nests. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes and has established introduced populations in several countries.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Highly gregarious, typically seen in small to medium flocks outside the breeding season. Monogamous pairs nest in loose colonies, weaving ball-shaped nests of dry grass in thorny shrubs or acacias, and sometimes using old weaver nests. Both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing duties, with breeding often timed to follow seasonal rains.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, tinkling series of trills and twitters, with delicate metallic notes. Calls include quiet tseep and tink sounds used to keep flock contact.
