Shelley's crimsonwing is a vulnerable species of estrildid finch native to the Albertine Rift montane forests. It has shown population decline over the past few decades, with a current population estimate of 2,500–9,999. This is possibly related to uncontrolled deforestation.
Region
Albertine Rift of Central–East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in the montane forests of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, western Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. It favors dense, moist evergreen forests, bamboo stands, and tangled thickets near forest streams and gullies. Birds keep close to the ground or low shrub layer, moving quietly through cover. It is highly sensitive to habitat disturbance and tends to vanish from logged or heavily thinned forests.
Altitude Range
1500–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Shelley's crimsonwing is a shy, understory-dwelling estrildid finch of the Albertine Rift montane forests. It is often overlooked due to its secretive habits and preference for dense thickets and bamboo. Ongoing deforestation and forest degradation have contributed to a declining and fragmented population. Protection of intact montane forest undergrowth is critical for its survival.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Presumed monogamous, nesting low in dense vegetation or bamboo clumps where cover is thick. Nests and roosts are well concealed, and birds often freeze or slip silently into cover when disturbed.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, high-pitched tsee notes and thin trills delivered from inside cover. Vocalizations are subdued and easily overlooked, serving contact within pairs or family groups rather than long-distance advertisement.
