The grey-headed oliveback, also known as the white-cheeked oliveback, is a common species of estrildid finch. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 800,000 km2 (310,000 sq mi).
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily from humid savanna and forest-edge zones through secondary growth, gallery forest, and overgrown farmland. It prefers dense thickets, tall grasses, and vine tangles near woodland margins and waterways. The species adapts to disturbed habitats provided adequate cover remains. It often forages low to mid-level in vegetation and occasionally on the ground.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The grey-headed oliveback, also called the white-cheeked oliveback, is a small estrildid finch of West and Central Africa. It frequents dense undergrowth and forest edges, where its muted colors provide excellent camouflage. Pairs are often discreet, slipping through tangles and tall grasses with quick, low flights. During breeding, they add more insects to their mainly seed-based diet.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes loosely associating with other small finches. Pairs maintain discreet territories in dense vegetation. The nest is a neat, ball-shaped structure of grasses hidden low in shrubs. Clutches are small, and both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, high-pitched series of thin whistles and short trills, often delivered from inside cover. Contact calls are quiet tsip notes used to keep in touch while foraging.
