Jameson's firefinch is a common species of estrildid finch found in Sub-Saharan Africa. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 2,600,000 km2.
Region
South-Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs across parts of sub-Saharan Africa in savanna, open woodland edges, riparian thickets, and lightly cultivated areas with tall grasses. It favors rank grass near bushes or termite mounds and often stays low and concealed. The species uses disturbed areas and fallow fields if cover is available. It is typically absent from dense forest and very arid open desert. Local presence is tied to seed availability and cover for nesting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Jameson's firefinch is a small estrildid finch of south-central Africa, typically keeping close to dense cover. Males are strikingly red, while females are browner and more subdued. It forages mostly on the ground for tiny grass seeds and supplements its diet with small insects, especially in the breeding season. It is generally common where suitable grassy and shrubby habitats persist.
Male
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, low fast dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups; loosely gregarious outside the breeding season. Nests are domed structures of grass placed low in dense vegetation. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding period and defend small territories around the nest. Roosting often occurs in cover close to feeding sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, tinkling series of high, thin whistles and twitters delivered from low perches or within cover. Calls include sharp tsip notes and gentle contact calls. The song is melodic but subdued and easily overlooked at a distance.
