The Cinderella waxbill is a near-threatened species of estrildid finch found in drier regions of south-western Angola around the Namibe Province, north and east to the south-west of the Huíla Province and north to Fazenda do Cuito in Huambo - also in the extreme north-western part of Namibia. It has an estimated global distribution of 95,700 km2 (36,900 sq mi).
Region
Southwest Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in drier regions of southwestern Angola, from Namibe Province north and east into southwestern Huíla and north to Huambo, and extends into extreme northwestern Namibia. It favors arid and semi-arid savanna with scattered shrubs, dry riverine thickets, and grassy valleys near seasonal watercourses. Birds often stay close to cover and are most frequent where perennial grasses persist after rains. Local occupancy can shift with rainfall patterns and water availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Cinderella waxbill is a diminutive estrildid finch restricted to the arid fringes of southwestern Angola and adjacent northwestern Namibia. It is closely related to the Swee waxbill and is sometimes discussed alongside it taxonomically. The species is shy, keeping low in scrub and grass near water, and is sensitive to habitat drying and trapping pressure.
Temperament
shy and retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights between cover
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family groups, occasionally forming loose flocks outside the breeding season. Pairs maintain close contact calls while foraging low in grasses and shrubs. Nests are compact, dome-shaped structures of grass hidden in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of thin twittering notes and high, sibilant contact calls. Song is modest and often delivered from within cover, interspersed with brief trills.
Plumage
Fine, smooth plumage with grey head, warm brown upperparts, and paler buff underparts; rump often slightly rufous. Males show a darker facial area with cleaner grey tones, females are duller and lack strong facial contrast.
Diet
Primarily consumes small grass seeds, including those of annuals that sprout after rains. Supplements diet with small insects such as termites and other arthropods, especially during the breeding season to provide protein for nestlings. Foraging is careful and deliberate, picking seeds from seed heads and the ground.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in rank grasses along dry watercourses, edges of scrub, and open savanna with scattered shrubs. Often stays near sources of water or dew-laden grasses after rainfall.
