The grey-headed nigrita is a common species of estrildid finch found in Africa. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 3,700,000 km2.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Upper Guinea forests east through the Guineo-Congolian rainforest belt into Central Africa. It inhabits lowland and submontane moist forests, forest edges, gallery forests, and well-wooded secondary growth. The species also uses shaded plantations and overgrown clearings where cover remains. It forages from the understorey to the mid-canopy, often staying within dense foliage. Presence is strongest where continuous or semi-continuous tree cover persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A small estrildid finch of the African forest belt, the grey-headed nigrita is often detected by its soft, high-pitched calls rather than seen. It readily uses secondary growth and forest edges, which helps it persist across a wide range. The species sometimes joins mixed-species flocks in the mid-story and canopy. Its broad distribution keeps it listed as Least Concern.
Temperament
shy but active within cover
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups; outside the breeding season it may join small mixed-species foraging parties. Nests are typically globular structures placed in dense vegetation or foliage. Breeding pairs are discreet, keeping to the cover of shrubs and mid-storey during nesting.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, thin series of high-pitched twitters and sibilant notes delivered from within cover. Contact calls are short, high tseet or tsee calls used to keep in touch while foraging.
Plumage
Smooth grey head contrasting with warm brown upperparts and wings; underparts buff to pale ochre with a darker tail. Feathers are plain and sleek, lacking streaks or wing bars. Throat slightly paler, giving a subtle contrast at the neck.
Diet
Feeds on small seeds of grasses and forest herbs, as well as berries and other soft fruits. It supplements its diet with small insects and other invertebrates gleaned from foliage and twigs. Foraging is methodical and unobtrusive, picking items from leaves and small branches.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understorey to mid-canopy of moist forest, secondary growth, and edges. Frequently uses vine tangles, thickets, and shaded plantations where cover is abundant.
