The Mali firefinch is a species of estrildid finch found in Western Africa. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 120,000 km2. It is found in Mali and Senegal. The IUCN has classified the species as being of least concern. It is also the mascot of Mali.
Region
West Africa (Sahel)
Typical Environment
Occupies Sahelian savanna, thorn scrub, and grassy fallows, especially near the Niger and Senegal river systems. It uses weedy field edges, village outskirts, and dense grass or shrubs for cover. The species concentrates around seasonal water sources and riparian thickets during the dry season. It tolerates lightly cultivated landscapes and often forages on paths and around grain stores. Breeding occurs where dense grass tussocks or shrubs provide nesting sites.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Mali firefinch is a small estrildid finch localized to the western Sahel, chiefly in Mali with extensions into eastern Senegal. It favors dry savanna and scrubby edges near water and cultivation, often appearing at village water points at dawn and dusk. Males are strikingly red compared with the duller brownish females, a pattern shared with many firefinches. It is assessed as Least Concern, though its range is relatively restricted.
Temperament
secretive but tolerant of proximity to people
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low undulating flights between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family parties, forming looser groups at favored waterholes. Builds a domed grass nest low in dense grass or thorny shrubs. Clutch size is small, and breeding is timed to follow rains when food is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, high-pitched twittering with thin see and tsee notes, delivered from low perches within cover. The call is a quiet contact chip used to keep pairs together while foraging.
