Locust Finch

The Locust Finch, or Locustfinch (Paludipasser locustella), is a diminutive and rather elusive waxbill, the sole representative of its genus. It bears a resemblance to the quailfinch, yet the males are distinguished by their striking red face, throat, and breast, complemented by rufous wings and a black body adorned with white spots, though the back belly remains unadorned. Females, while also sporting rufous wings, lack the white facial markings characteristic of female quailfinches. The immature birds present with black and brown streaks on their upperparts and a browner hue on the underparts compared to the females. This species measures a modest 9 to 10 cm in length.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Locust Finch, look for the male's vibrant red facial area and the distinctive rufous wings. The absence of white face markings can help differentiate the females from similar species. Immature birds can be recognized by their streaked upperparts and the comparatively browner underparts.

Habitat

The Locust Finch favors damp, sparsely vegetated patches within grasslands, often found close to water in sandy spoil areas, such as sandveld.

Distribution

This species' range extends across south-central and south-eastern Africa, with sightings in countries including Cameroon, Congo, Zambia, Angola, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. It is considered rather rare in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. There are unconfirmed reports of the species breeding on the Jos Plateau in northern Nigeria, which, if verified, would mark a significant range extension.

Behaviour

The Locust Finch is predominantly terrestrial, rarely seen perching. It tends to become nomadic during the dry season when its preferred habitats are prone to drying out. Typically encountered in pairs, these birds may form small flocks of up to 10 individuals under severe drought conditions. When flushed, they exhibit a tendency to fly long distances, akin to a quail's behavior.

Breeding

In southern Africa, the breeding season coincides with the rainy season, with egg-laying occurring from January to May, peaking during the height of the rains in January and February.

Similar Species

The Locust Finch is similar to the quailfinch, but can be distinguished by the male's red facial coloring and the absence of white face markings in females.

Conservation status

Previously listed as near threatened, the Locust Finch is currently classified as Least Concern. Although there is a paucity of data, it is believed to remain widespread and locally common, with no evidence of significant declines. However, the population may have suffered in past decades due to droughts in the 1980s, and it faces threats from the cage-bird trade and loss of marshland habitat.