The black-bellied firefinch is a common species of estrildid finch found in Africa.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from the Sahel and Sudanian savannas through wooded edges, farm fallows, and gardens with dense undergrowth. It favors grassy clearings, thorn scrub, and secondary growth near water or cultivated plots. The species keeps close to cover, often feeding on or near the ground and retreating quickly into thickets. It can adapt to lightly settled areas where shrubs and rank grasses remain.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A small estrildid finch of West and Central Africa, the black-bellied firefinch is often seen in pairs or small family groups skulking in dense grass and scrub. Males show a distinctive black belly patch that helps separate them from other red firefinches. They build domed, grass nests low in vegetation. Like other firefinches, they can be hosts to brood-parasitic indigobirds.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating hops between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups; forms monogamous pairs during breeding. Nests are domed structures of grass placed low in dense vegetation or shrubs. They often remain close to cover, giving contact calls while foraging. Outside breeding, small family parties may join loose mixed finch flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, high-pitched twitters and tinkling notes, often delivered from low perches within cover. The male’s simple, sweet song includes repetitive chips and trills during courtship displays.
