The white-breasted nigrita is a very small nigrita with a rather waxbill-like appearance, a black cap and tail contrast with a brown back and wings and white under parts. Both sexes are alike but the immature has the crown, rump and tail browner.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill tropical forests, secondary growth, forest edges, and riverine thickets. It favors dense understorey and vine tangles where it forages discreetly. The species adapts to lightly disturbed habitats and can be found in plantations or clearings near forest. Often recorded near watercourses within humid forest zones.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A tiny estrildid finch of African forests, the white-breasted nigrita has a waxbill-like appearance with a crisp black cap, brown back, and clean white underparts. Sexes look alike, while juveniles show a browner crown and tail. It forages quietly in dense vegetation and often joins mixed-species flocks. Like many estrildids, it builds a neat, domed nest hidden in thickets.
White-breasted Nigrita
Temperament
shy and furtive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and often associates with mixed-species understorey flocks. Nests are domed structures of grasses and fibers placed low in dense vegetation. Breeding behavior includes discreet courtship displays and cooperative nest building.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, high-pitched twitters and thin sibilant notes delivered from cover. The song is simple and repetitive, interspersed with faint contact calls.
