The rock firefinch is a species of estrildid finch found in the Jos Plateau of central Nigeria and in Cameroon. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 29,000 km2 (11,000 sq mi). The rock firefinch was discovered recently, in 1998. Rock firefinches fall in the family Estrildidae, which contains small passerine birds of the Old World and Australasia. Rock firefinches seem to be most closely related to Mali firefinches and Chad firefinches. The species name sanguinodorsalis means blood-red back, which was chosen because it describes the vibrant red back color of the male plumage. The status of the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Region
Jos Plateau (Nigeria) and adjacent Cameroon Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily on rocky inselbergs, granite outcrops, and boulder fields within open savanna and grassland mosaics. It favors areas with sparse grasses, scattered shrubs, and ample rock crevices for nesting. Birds often remain close to ground cover and rocks for concealment. It may use edges of light cultivation where seed availability is high, provided suitable rocky refuges remain. Nesting typically takes place in protected niches such as rock crevices or dense low shrubs near rocks.
Altitude Range
1000–1800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The rock firefinch was only described to science in the late 1990s and males are named for their vivid blood-red backs. It inhabits rocky outcrops and boulder-strewn grasslands where it forages close to the ground. It is the primary host of the Jos Plateau indigobird (Vidua maryae), a brood parasite that mimics the firefinch’s calls. Despite its restricted range, it is assessed as Least Concern due to a relatively stable population.
Rocky Inselbergs: typical habitat of rock firefinches
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over ground
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups, keeping close to rocky cover. Builds a domed grass nest tucked into crevices, cavities among rocks, or dense low vegetation. The species is subject to brood parasitism by indigobirds, which can influence breeding success and local behavior.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, tinkling series of twittering notes and trills, delivered from low perches among rocks. Contact calls are thin, high 'tsip' notes; males may sing more persistently during the breeding season.
Plumage
Male with rich red upperparts and rump contrasting with greyer or brownish underparts; fine, smooth body feathers typical of estrildid finches. Female is plainer, mostly brownish with a rufous wash on the rump and tail, and paler underparts.
Diet
Primarily small grass and herb seeds, which are husked with the stout finch bill. During the breeding season it supplements with small insects and other invertebrates for added protein. Foraging is mostly on or near the ground, gleaning from seed heads and among fallen seeds.
Preferred Environment
Edges of rocky outcrops, sparse grassland, and lightly disturbed areas with seed-bearing grasses. It stays close to cover provided by rocks and low shrubs for quick concealment.
