The cut-throat finch is a common species of estrildid finch found throughout Africa; it is also known as the bearded finch, the ribbon finch, the cut throat, and the weaver finch.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from the Sahel through East Africa and into parts of south-central Africa in dry savanna, acacia scrub, and open grasslands. It frequents edges of cultivation, fallow fields, and villages, especially where grass seeds are abundant. Birds often gather near water sources and may roost communally. Nests are typically placed in thorny bushes or trees and sometimes in or beneath old weaver nests.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
A small estrildid finch widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, also called the bearded or ribbon finch. Males show a striking red band across the throat that gives the species its name, while females have a faint or absent band. It is gregarious, often forming loose colonies and using thorny shrubs or trees for nesting. Common in aviculture, it can be assertive toward smaller finches when crowded.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in small to medium flocks, sometimes mixing with other seed-eating birds. Breeds in loose colonies; the male may display with a grass stem in the bill. Builds a spherical grass nest in thorny vegetation and may use old weaver nests for roosting or nesting.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Soft, twittering series of thin notes and trills, usually given from a perch. The male’s display song is modest but persistent, with buzzy and sibilant elements.
