#BirdyTuesday: Fawn-breasted Waxbill

Introducing a new weekly activity, welcome to #BirdyTuesday. The exercise aims at exhibiting the ornithological wealth of Upemba and contribute to the education of masses by presenting some of the winged beauties that grace the skies and fields of the park.

This week, please enjoy the majesty of the Fawn-breasted waxbill "Estrilda Paludicola" from the Estrildidae family. The bird is one of the common resident species in central Africa with an estimated global extent of occurrence of 1,800,000 km². As a small colorful bird native to Africa, it possesses several unique and distinctive characteristics.

As the name suggests, the distinctive plumage of the Fawn-breasted waxbill consists of a pale fawn-colored breast contrasting with its olive-brown back and bright red rump. Its bill is a striking red, adding to its visual appeal. The bird also has a wide range and adaptability having one of the largest ranges of any estrildid finch, spanning across much of sub-Saharan Africa. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and even cultivated areas, showcasing its adaptability.

In terms of social behavior, Fawn-breasted Waxbills are often seen in small flocks, foraging and roosting together. They are known for their playful antics and acrobatic flight patterns. Their diet primarily consists of seeds, grains, and insects, making them opportunistic feeders. Finally, these birds are monogamous and form strong pair bonds. They build their nests in dense vegetation, often near water sources, and lay clutches of 3-6 eggs. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and raising the young.