Lavender Waxbill

The Lavender Waxbill (Glaucestrilda caerulescens), a dainty estrildid finch, graces the shrublands of Central Africa with its presence. This small bird is a common sight within its range, and it has also made a successful leap to the Hawaiian Islands.

Identification Tips

When observing the Lavender Waxbill, one should note its delicate features and the subtle hues that give this bird its name. The plumage is a soft blend of lavender tones, which can be a delight to discern for the keen birdwatcher.

Habitat

The Lavender Waxbill is typically found in subtropical and tropical (lowland) dry shrubland environments. It thrives in these habitats, which provide the cover and resources it requires.

Distribution

This species has a broad distribution across several countries in Africa, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, and Togo. Additionally, it has been introduced to Hawaii, where it has established a presence.

Conservation Status

The IUCN has assessed the Lavender Waxbill as being of Least Concern. This status reflects the bird's wide distribution and presumably large population, indicating that it does not currently face any significant threats that would warrant a higher level of concern.