The black-headed waxbill is a common species of estrildid finch found in central Africa. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 620,000 km².
Region
Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily through the central African forest belt, including forest edges, secondary scrub, riverine thickets, and savanna–forest mosaics. It is regularly found in clearings, overgrown fallows, and rank grass near water. The species tolerates human-modified landscapes such as small farms and village gardens. Flocks often associate with other estrildid finches while foraging. It is largely sedentary throughout its range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
A small estrildid finch, the black-headed waxbill forms tight-knit flocks that forage quietly in tangled vegetation and grass. Its bold black head contrasts with a fine, waxy red bill—typical of waxbills—and soft grey-brown body tones. It adapts well to forest edges and secondary growth, often appearing near villages and plantations. Nests are dome-shaped structures woven from grasses and placed low in dense cover.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small, cohesive flocks that keep close to dense cover. Pairs build dome-shaped nests from grasses, often placed low in shrubs or tussocks. They may join mixed-species estrildid groups at food sources and show coordinated movements while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, tinkling series of high-pitched notes and twittering contact calls. Song is simple and subdued, used mainly for pair bonding and flock cohesion.
Plumage
Compact finch with a velvety black head contrasting with smooth grey to grey-brown upperparts and paler underparts; fine, subtle barring may be present on the flanks.
Diet
Primarily small grass and sedge seeds, which are husked with the stout conical bill. Supplements diet with small insects—such as termites and other invertebrates—especially during breeding. Will take buds and soft plant material when seeds are scarce. Foraging is methodical, often on or near the ground and within low, dense vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Edges of forests and clearings with tall grasses, bushy thickets, and overgrown fields. Frequently feeds along paths, field margins, and near watercourses where seed-rich grasses are abundant.
