Black-faced Waxbill

The Black-faced Waxbill, known scientifically as Brunhilda erythronotos, is a charming estrildid finch with a distinctive appearance. It boasts a striking black face that contrasts with its warm, red back, a feature that inspired its specific epithet from the Ancient Greek words "eruthros" for red and "-nōtos" for backed.

Identification Tips

When observing the Black-faced Waxbill, look for its characteristic black facial mask and the reddish hue on its back. This small bird also has a finely pointed bill, typical of waxbills, which is useful for discerning it from other species.

Habitat

This species thrives in the savannas and woodlands of southern Africa, where it can often be found flitting among the foliage.

Distribution

The Black-faced Waxbill has a wide range across southern Africa, with sightings reported in Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Behaviour

These waxbills are social creatures, frequently seen in flocks. They exhibit a delightful zest for life, which is evident in their active foraging and social interactions.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Black-faced Waxbill include a series of high-pitched, melodic chirps that add a musical backdrop to their native habitats.

Breeding

There are two recognized subspecies of the Black-faced Waxbill, which differ slightly in their breeding ranges. B. e. delamerei is found from southwest Uganda and west Kenya to central Tanzania, while B. e. erythronotos ranges from Angola and Namibia to Zimbabwe and northern South Africa.

Similar Species

While there are other waxbills within its range, the Black-faced Waxbill's unique facial markings and reddish back make it distinguishable from its congeners.

Diet and Feeding

As with many finches, the Black-faced Waxbill's diet consists primarily of seeds, which its bill is well-adapted to handle.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Black-faced Waxbill as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face any immediate threat of extinction.