Red-billed Firefinch

The Red-billed Firefinch, also known as the Senegal Firefinch, is a diminutive and vibrant member of the Estrildidae family. Measuring a mere 10 cm in length, the male is resplendent in scarlet plumage, save for his brown wings, and sports a pink bill complemented by a yellow eye-ring. The female, in contrast, is adorned with brown upperparts and buff underparts, with a modest red patch before each eye and a similarly pink bill.

Identification Tips

To identify the Red-billed Firefinch, look for the male's striking scarlet body and brown wings, and the female's more subdued brown and buff coloration with red eye patches. Both sexes have a distinctive pink bill, which is quite useful for identification.

Habitat

This species thrives in proximity to human settlements and can often be found mingling with other species such as the Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu. It favors open grasslands and cultivated areas, adapting well to environments altered by humans.

Distribution

The Red-billed Firefinch is a resident breeder across much of Sub-Saharan Africa. It has been introduced to Egypt, where it has since become extinct, and to southern Algeria, where it is currently expanding its range.

Behaviour

A gregarious and sociable bird, the Red-billed Firefinch is often seen in small flocks. It is known for its soft 'queet-queet' call and a song that ascends in a 'chick-pea-pea-pea' melody.

Song & Calls

The call of the Red-billed Firefinch is a soft 'queet-queet', while its song is characterized by a rising 'chick-pea-pea-pea'.

Breeding

The nest of the Red-billed Firefinch is a large, domed structure made of grass with a side entrance, typically situated low in a bush, wall, or thatch. The female lays three to six white eggs. This species' nests are known to be parasitized by the Village Indigobird.

Similar Species

While there are no similar species mentioned in the provided content, birdwatchers should be aware of the potential for confusion with other finches, particularly those with red or pink bills.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Red-billed Firefinch primarily consists of grain and other seeds, which it forages for on the ground in open areas.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Red-billed Firefinch as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of extinction.