The lesser seedcracker or Nyasa seedcracker is a fairly common species of estrildid finch found in eastern Africa. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 925,000 km2 (357,000 sq mi) and is found in Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified the species as being of least concern.
Region
Southeast Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Tanzania south through Malawi into central Mozambique and eastern Zimbabwe. Prefers moist to seasonally wet grasslands, dambos, marsh edges, and riverine thickets, often near the margins of wetlands or cultivated areas with rank grasses. It also forages along bushy field edges and fallows where hard-seeded grasses and sedges mature. Populations are patchy, following the availability of seed resources and dense cover. It tolerates lightly modified landscapes provided suitable seeding grasses persist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the Nyasa seedcracker, this estrildid finch is named for its unusually powerful, deep-based bill adapted to crack very hard grass and sedge seeds. It inhabits rank grass and wetland margins and can be locally common where tough seeds are abundant. Outside the breeding season it often forms small flocks and may join mixed finch groups. Its distribution centers on the Lake Malawi region and adjacent southeastern African countries.
Temperament
social but somewhat secretive in dense cover
Flight Pattern
short, fast wingbeats with undulating flight
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small groups; larger flocks may form outside the breeding season around abundant seed sources. Likely monogamous, nesting low in dense grass or shrubs where cover is thick. Both parents participate in nest care. Flocks often keep close to cover and make short sallies to feeding patches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, high, tinkling trills interspersed with thin tsip notes. Calls are sharp and contact-oriented, aiding cohesion in tall grass. The song is unobtrusive and often delivered from within cover.
