Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu

The Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu (Uraeginthus bengalus) is a diminutive and charming finch, a resident breeder in the drier regions of tropical Sub-Saharan Africa. The male is adorned with a striking red patch on each cheek, which can occasionally appear orange or yellow, set against a backdrop of brown upperparts and a pale blue breast, flanks, and tail, with a contrasting yellow belly. The female, though similar in form, is a more subdued version and lacks the cheek spot. Juveniles resemble the female but with blue limited to the face and throat.

Identification Tips

When observing these birds, look for the male's distinctive red cheek patches and the pale blue coloring on the breast and tail. Females are less colorful, lacking the cheek spots, and both sexes have a small stature, measuring a mere 12.5–13 cm in length.

Habitat

The Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu thrives in a variety of habitats, excluding dense forest interiors. It is commonly found in open dry grasslands, savannas, and areas surrounding human habitation, from sea level to elevations of 2,430 meters.

Distribution

This species boasts a vast range across central and eastern Africa, from Senegal and Gambia in the west, stretching east to Ethiopia and Somalia, and southward to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. It has also been introduced to Hawaii and Oahu.

Behaviour

These finches are often seen in pairs or small groups, foraging on the ground in open areas. They are known to be granivores, with a diet primarily consisting of grass seeds.

Song & Calls

The Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu's contact call is a high-pitched, thin piping, while its song is a more complex series of high-pitched notes, ending in a longer, lower, and more burry note. Both males and females sing, with the female's song being less complex and less frequent, peaking before egg-laying to aid in pair bond maintenance or breeding synchronization.

Breeding

These birds construct large domed nests made of grass with a side entrance, typically situated in a tree, bush, or thatch. They lay 4–5 white eggs per clutch.

Similar Species

The Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu may be confused with other members of the genus Uraeginthus, particularly the Blue-capped Cordon-bleu and the Blue Waxbill, with which it forms a species group and possibly a superspecies.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet is predominantly grass seeds, supplemented by millet and other small seeds. They have also been observed feeding on beeswax on occasion.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu as Least Concern, indicating a stable global population.