The blue waxbill, also called southern blue waxbill, blue-breasted waxbill, southern cordon-bleu, blue-cheeked cordon-bleu, blue-breasted cordon-bleu and Angola cordon-bleu, is a common species of estrildid finch found in Southern Africa. It is also relatively commonly kept as an aviary bird.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely through savanna, thornscrub, and open woodland, including miombo edges, mopane and Acacia/Vachellia thornveld. Common in rural farmlands, gardens, and village edges where grass seed is plentiful. Prefers areas with scattered bushes and access to water, avoiding dense forest and very treeless deserts. Often forages on or near the ground along paths and field margins.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 4/5
Also called the southern cordon-bleu, this small estrildid finch is common across much of Southern Africa and is popular in aviculture. Males show brighter blue on the face and breast than females, which appear duller. They build neat, domed grass nests often tucked into thorny shrubs, and are known to nest near wasp nests for added protection. Their calm demeanor and soft, tinkling calls make them conspicuous in gardens and lightly wooded areas.
Male
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, low-level flights
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small groups, forming looser flocks outside the breeding season. Monogamous pairs build domed grass nests in thorny shrubs or trees, often near protective wasp nests. Both sexes participate in nest building and care for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, tinkling series of high-pitched trills and twittering notes. Calls include gentle tsip and sibilant contact notes used to keep in touch while foraging.
Plumage
Fine, silky plumage with warm sandy-brown upperparts and contrasting blue on the face, throat, and breast (male brighter). Underparts buff to fawn with a distinctly darker, blackish vent and undertail coverts. The bill is short, conical, and reddish, typical of waxbills.
Diet
Primarily small grass seeds, including those of weedy grasses and cultivated millets. Supplements diet with tiny insects such as termites, ants, and small beetles, especially during breeding to provide protein to nestlings. Will also take sprouting seeds and green seedheads.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the ground and low seedheads along paths, field edges, and in lightly grazed savanna. Frequently visits water edges and gardens with seeding grasses.
