The green-winged pytilia is a small colourful seed-eating bird in the family Estrildidae. It is widespread throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, though it is more rarely seen in central, far southern and coastal western parts of the continent.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occupies open savanna, dry acacia woodland, thorn-scrub, and lightly wooded grasslands. Often found near watercourses, thickets, and the edges of cultivation and gardens. It favors areas with dense low cover for foraging and nesting, frequently using tangled shrubs. The species avoids dense forest and true deserts but can be locally common in mosaic habitats.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as the Melba finch, this species shows strong sexual dimorphism: males have a red facial mask while females lack it. It is a common host of indigobirds (Vidua spp.), which are brood parasites that mimic its song. The species has numerous subspecies across Africa, differing subtly in plumage tone and extent of red coloration.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks at seeding grasses. Nests are domed and built low in dense shrubs or grass tussocks. Courtship includes quiet displays with the male presenting nesting material. Frequently parasitized by indigobirds, which influence its vocal repertoire through mimicry.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, tinkling series of high-pitched notes and short trills, often delivered from cover. Calls include thin seep notes and gentle chatters, becoming more persistent during the breeding season.
Plumage
Fine, neat barring on the underparts with olive-green upperparts and wings; males show a distinct red face and throat area. Rump and undertail often tinged crimson, with contrasting darker tail. Females are duller with reduced or absent red on the face and finer barring.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small grass seeds and other grains, husking them with its stout bill. Supplements its diet with small insects, especially termites and other invertebrates during the breeding season and after rains. Will also take buds and small berries when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages on or near the ground in seeding grasses and at the bases of shrubs. Often visits edges of cultivation, paths, and watercourse margins where seeds accumulate. Uses dense cover to feed unobtrusively, darting into thickets when disturbed.
