The black-crowned waxbill is a common species of estrildid finch found in western-central Africa. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 1,000,000 km2.
Region
Western and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from lowland forest edges to secondary woodland, grassy clearings, and riparian thickets. It favors dense shrubbery near water, including swamp margins and reedbeds. The species adapts well to lightly cultivated areas and village gardens where cover and seed are abundant. It keeps close to cover, foraging low in grasses and bushes and retreating into thickets when disturbed.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
A small estrildid finch, the black-crowned waxbill is common across western–central Africa and often frequents forest edges and wet thickets. It usually travels in small, chatty groups and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks with other waxbills. During breeding it adds more insects to its otherwise seed-heavy diet. Its bright, waxy red bill is a hallmark of the waxbill family.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Commonly seen in pairs or small groups, sometimes forming larger flocks outside the breeding season. It nests in dense grass or shrubs, weaving a neat, oval structure with a side entrance. Pairs are attentive, and small colonies may occur in suitable habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, high-pitched twittering and sibilant tseep notes given frequently while foraging. The song is a delicate series of thin trills and chips, often exchanged between flock members.
Plumage
Compact finch with a neat black crown and nape, soft grey-brown upperparts and buffy underparts. Rump and upper tail coverts show a contrasting reddish tone, with a darker tail.
Diet
Primarily small grass seeds and other fine seeds gleaned from seed heads or the ground. It supplements with small insects and other invertebrates, especially during breeding to feed nestlings. Grit may be ingested to aid seed digestion.
Preferred Environment
Feeds low in tall grass, along edges of thickets, and in weedy patches near water. Often uses fallow fields, roadsides, and garden margins where seed is plentiful.
