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.
