Red-headed Finch

The red-headed finch, also known as the paradise finch, is a striking member of the estrildid finch family. Males are adorned with vibrant red heads and chests, presenting a bold contrast to their otherwise brown and white plumage. Females, while sharing the same overall pattern, are rendered in a more subdued palette.

Identification Tips

To identify the red-headed finch, look for the male's unmistakable red head and chest. Both sexes possess a robust build and a heavy beak, reminiscent of the Lonchura genus, though they are more closely related to the Pytilias, such as the Melba finch. Their resemblance to the cut-throat finch is notable, as they are the only two species within the genus Amadina.

Habitat

These finches are typically found in dry savannahs, where they forage on the ground.

Distribution

The red-headed finch has a broad range across the African continent, with sightings confirmed in Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The species enjoys a vast global extent of occurrence, estimated at 1,600,000 km².

Behaviour

Red-headed finches are often observed in small flocks. They exhibit a sociable nature, feeding in the company of other species and frequently visiting waterholes to drink.

Song & Calls

The species is known for its distinctive double-noted 'chuck-chuck' call, which can be heard across the savannah.

Conservation status

The red-headed finch is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.

In the vast expanses of Africa's dry savannahs, the red-headed finch continues to thrive, a small yet vibrant testament to the resilience of nature.