The red-faced crimsonwing is a common species of estrildid finch found in Africa. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 390,000 km2.
Region
Central and East African montane forests (Albertine Rift and adjacent highlands)
Typical Environment
Inhabits dense undergrowth of evergreen montane forest, forest edges, and bamboo zones. Prefers thickets along streams, secondary regrowth, and tangles where cover is continuous. Frequently associated with bamboo stands and forest clearings with rank vegetation. Avoids open country and typically remains within a few meters of the ground.
Altitude Range
900–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The red-faced crimsonwing is a small, shy estrildid finch of African montane forests and bamboo thickets. Males show a striking crimson face mask that gives the species its name, while females are duller. It often stays low in dense cover and is more often heard than seen. In some areas it tracks bamboo seeding events, exploiting the sudden abundance of seeds.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, darting flights through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family groups, keeping close contact calls as they move through thickets. Builds a domed nest of grasses and leaves concealed low in dense vegetation. Likely monogamous, with both parents incubating and feeding the young. Breeding often coincides with rains and local seed abundance.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft series of thin, high-pitched whistles and tsee notes, delivered from cover. Calls include sharp tsit and soft seep contact notes. Vocalizations are quiet and easily overlooked amid forest sounds.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with contrasting crimson wings and rump; greyish to olive underparts. Male shows a bright crimson facial mask and throat, with a blackish bill; female is duller with reduced red on the face and more brown-olive tones. Feathers appear smooth and close, aiding its sleek, skulking profile in undergrowth.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small seeds of grasses, herbs, and bamboo; also takes seeds of forest plants and occasional small berries. Supplements diet with small insects and larvae gleaned from foliage or taken from the ground. Takes advantage of bamboo mast seeding when available, concentrating in such patches.
Preferred Environment
Forages low in dense undergrowth, along forest edges, and within bamboo stands. Often feeds on or near the ground, hopping through leaf litter and moving between cover. Uses tangles and thickets to remain concealed while feeding.
