Blue-capped cordon-bleu

The blue-capped cordon-bleu or blue-capped cordonbleu is native to Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Tanzania in East Africa. This small finch does fairly well in captivity given adequate conditions; however, breeding this finch is said to be quite difficult.

Distribution

Region

East Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs from eastern Ethiopia and South Sudan through Somalia and Kenya to northeastern Tanzania. Prefers dry savanna, thornbush, and open acacia woodland, and it readily uses farmlands, villages, and gardens. Often found near water sources and in areas with scattered shrubs or low trees for cover and nesting. Tolerant of lightly disturbed habitats and can be common around human settlements.

Altitude Range

0–2000 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size12–13 cm

Wing Span15–18 cm

Male Weight0.012 kg

Female Weight0.011 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 3/5

Useful to know

This small estrildid finch is native to dry savannas and scrub of East Africa and adapts well to human-modified landscapes. Males perform a charming courtship display, holding a grass stem while bobbing and singing. It can be maintained in captivity under good conditions, but consistent breeding is often challenging. The male’s brighter blue cap and underparts help distinguish it from the duller female and from the red-cheeked cordon-bleu.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Often in pairs or small groups, forming loose flocks outside the breeding season. Pairs are monogamous and nest in domed grass nests placed in shrubs or low trees. Males display by holding a grass stem while bowing and singing. They may nest near human habitation where suitable cover is available.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A soft, high-pitched series of trills and twitters, delivered in short phrases. Males sing more frequently during courtship, often synchronized with bobbing and display flights.

Unlock detailed bird insights with Pro access today.

Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Blue-capped ifrit

The blue-capped ifrit, is a species of small passerine bird in the monotypic family, Ifritidae, native to the montane rainforests of New Guinea. These birds are insectivorous and are notable for their distinctive blue crown and presence of batrachotoxin, a potent neurotoxin, in their feathers and skin. This chemical defense is believed to come from their diet, particularly Choresine beetles. Despite their toxicity, blue-capped ifrits are non-aggressive and typically found in small groups within high altitude forest habitats. Although they are currently listed as Least concern by the IUCN, their population is slowly declining due to habitat disturbance and limited conservation measures.

Blue-capped kingfisher

The blue-capped kingfisher, also known as Hombron's kingfisher, is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae endemic to the Philippines and found only on Mindanao. It is one of the most colorful kingfishers in the country having a dark blue cap and wings with rufous spots, a striped rufous belly, white chin and red bill. Its natural habitats are on the upper ranges of tropical moist lowland forest and tropical moist montane forests. It is threatened by habitat loss and its population is declining.

Blue-capped motmot

The blue-capped motmot or blue-crowned motmot, is a colorful near-passerine bird found in forests and woodlands of eastern Mexico. This species and the Lesson's Motmot, Whooping Motmot, Trinidad Motmot, Amazonian Motmot, and Andean Motmot were all considered conspecific. The IUCN uses blue-crowned as their identifier for this species; however, it was also the name used for the prior species complex.