The violet-eared waxbill or common grenadier is a common species of estrildid finch found in drier land of Southern Africa.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Found in semi-arid to arid savannas, thornveld, and acacia scrub, including Kalahari and mopane habitats. Prefers dense, thorny shrub cover and woodland edges where it can forage close to the ground while remaining concealed. Often occurs near watercourses and waterholes, especially in the dry season. Avoids open grasslands and very dense forests, favoring patchy bush with seed-rich grasses.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as the common grenadier, this striking estrildid finch is adapted to dry thornbush and savanna across southern Africa. Pairs are often strongly territorial and keep to dense cover, making them more often heard than seen. They supplement their mainly seed-based diet with insects, especially during the breeding season. In aviculture they are considered delicate and require warm, dry conditions.
Violet-eared waxbill at Etosha National Park, Namibia
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, keeping close to dense cover. Breeding pairs build neat, domed grass nests low in thorny shrubs. Both sexes participate in nest building and rearing young. They may associate loosely with other small seedeaters at water sources outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, sweet series of thin tinkling notes and trills, often delivered from within a bush. Calls include sharp chips and quiet contact notes used between mates.
Plumage
Compact finch with warm chestnut to rufous-brown body, contrasting with vivid violet ear-coverts and a long, dark tail. The bill is bright red and stout. Females are duller and more buffy with smaller violet patches.
Diet
Primarily small grass and herb seeds, including those of acacias and other savanna plants. During the breeding season they take small insects such as termites and ants for added protein. They glean food from the ground and low vegetation and will pick at seed heads directly.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in sparse, thorny scrub and along the edges of woodland where seeds are abundant. Frequently forages on the ground near cover and visits waterholes to drink.
