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.
Plumage
Male is deep crimson-red above with a prominent black belly patch and fine whitish spotting on the flanks; underparts otherwise reddish to dusky. Female is duller brownish-olive with reddish tones on the rump and flanks, and lacks the bold black belly. Both sexes have short, conical bills and smooth, close-lying plumage.
Diet
Primarily takes small grass and weed seeds picked from the ground and low stems. Supplements diet with small insects such as termites, ants, and other arthropods, especially during the breeding season. Grit and small bits of plant matter may be ingested to aid digestion.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along paths, field margins, and in rank grass near shrubs where it can retreat quickly. Often forages at the base of bushes, in weedy plots, and around village gardens.
