Orange-cheeked Waxbill

The Orange-cheeked Waxbill (Estrilda melpoda) is a diminutive and charming estrildid finch, adorned with a distinctive orange patch on its cheeks, which gives rise to its common name. This species exhibits a delightful blend of earthy browns and vibrant oranges across its plumage, with males typically showcasing more pronounced orange hues on their underparts.

Identification Tips

To identify the Orange-cheeked Waxbill, look for its characteristic orange cheeks, a fine pointed bill, and a streaked brown upper body. The underparts are a paler brown, with the male's vibrant orange belly offering a stark contrast. Their tails are dark with white outer feathers, and they possess a subtle yet distinctive red rump.

Habitat

These waxbills favor habitats that offer a mosaic of grasslands interspersed with light tree and shrub coverage. They are also known to frequent areas near watercourses, gardens, and cultivated fields, as well as dry savannahs.

Distribution

Native to western and central Africa, the Orange-cheeked Waxbill has a broad range that includes countries such as Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, and many others. The species has also expanded its range to western Uganda and has been introduced to locales such as Puerto Rico and Southern California.

Behaviour

In the wild, Orange-cheeked Waxbills are sociable birds, often seen in small family groups or larger flocks that can number thirty or more. Their acrobatic foraging behavior is a sight to behold, as they adeptly navigate grass stems, sometimes even hanging upside down to feed. Their high-pitched peeps often betray their presence before they are seen.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Orange-cheeked Waxbill consist of high-pitched peeps that serve as a communication tool within the flock and can be a helpful indicator for birdwatchers trying to locate these elusive finches.

Breeding

Breeding Orange-cheeked Waxbills construct their nests close to the ground within dense grass clumps, camouflaging them with surrounding vegetation. The nests are lined with fine white feathers, and the species lays three to six tiny white eggs, which are incubated for approximately 13 days. Fledglings emerge after about 23 days, initially displaying duller orange ear coverts.

Similar Species

While there are other waxbill species, the Orange-cheeked Waxbill can be distinguished by its unique combination of orange cheek patches and the male's bright orange belly.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Orange-cheeked Waxbill primarily consists of tiny grass seeds, which they adeptly harvest from both the ground and directly from grass panicles. During the breeding season, their diet is supplemented with small insects such as termites, aphids, and gnats.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Orange-cheeked Waxbill as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population levels on a global scale.