Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...

Cuckoo-finch

Anomalospiza imberbis

The Cuckoo-finch, Anomalospiza imberbis, also known as the parasitic weaver or cuckoo weaver, is a diminutive passerine that graces the grasslands of Africa south of the Sahara. The male of the species is adorned in a vibrant yellow and green plumage, while the female is cloaked in a more subdued buff with dark streaks. This bird is known for its unique reproductive strategy, laying its eggs in the nests of other avian species.

Identification Tips

Adult males can be identified by their black bills, yellow heads, and underparts, with olive-green upperparts marked by black streaks. The females are less conspicuous, with heavy black streaking above, light streaks on the flanks, and a largely plain buff face with a buff-white throat. Both sexes are approximately 11-13 cm in length, with short tails, robust legs and feet, and a large, deep, conical bill.

Habitat

The Cuckoo-finch is found in open or lightly wooded grasslands, often with a preference for areas that are near damp environments.

Distribution

This species has a scattered distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, with populations in West Africa, East Africa, and southern Africa, including countries such as Guinea, Sierra Leone, the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa, and Eswatini.

Behaviour

Cuckoo-finches are typically seen in pairs or small flocks during the breeding season and gather in larger flocks when not breeding. They forage on the ground or perched atop grasses or herbs, feeding mainly on grass seeds.

Song & Calls

The species is known for its chattering calls and the males exhibit a nasal song during display.

Breeding

The Cuckoo-finch is an obligate brood parasite, relying on the nests of cisticolas and prinias to lay its eggs. The eggs vary in color from white to pale blue or pink, adorned with brown, reddish, or violet markings. After a 14-day incubation period, the young fledge in 18 days and remain dependent on their hosts for an additional 10-40 days.

Similar Species

While there are no specific similar species mentioned, the Cuckoo-finch can be distinguished from other finches by its parasitic breeding behavior and its association with the indigobirds and whydahs.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Cuckoo-finch consists mainly of grass seeds, which they pick from the ground or directly from plant heads.

Conservation status

The Cuckoo-finch is classified as Least Concern by BirdLife International, indicating a large range and a stable population.

Cuckoo-finch Sounds

β€Œ
Recorded by: © 
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Cuckoo-finches on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Indigobirds, Whydahs

A photo of a Village Indigobird (Vidua chalybeata) , male

Village Indigobird

Vidua chalybeata
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
D3Nature
Great app for learning Birds
I’ve been using the app for a couple of months and love it....Someone said it’s like a real life PokΓ©mon Go for birds. They’re not far off! It’s something that the family can do that gets you out and about. Well worth downloading no matter your age.
Marlster24
Very Wholesome App
Joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter πŸ˜„
Pdydhdrexgi
Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
Ellesse_W
Learning Birding with Birda
I’m relatively new to birding as a hobby, and Birda is a great way to keep track off all the species I see. I’m still working on my ID skills, but the app is great for figuring out potential species, and the online community is so friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend Birda to both early and serious birders! 🐦
BCHphotography_
Such a great app!
I didn’t think I could enjoy birding more but this app makes it so much better. Some great features and a really great way to share your sightings with your friends or fellow birders nearby or around the world! ❀️
Foxgirl100
Great app for beginner twitchers
I’ve had a passion of photographing birds for a long time now but have only just gotten into proper birdwatching, and this app is brilliant for those just getting started. There is a great sense of community among users and the app is very easy to use and professional. Awesome app altogether
Birdafan
Ideal Birdwatch Companion
Simply adds to the enjoyment of my birdwatching and helps me record what I’ve seen.
Jane N
A great app
Enjoying it immensely and finding it useful too. Recording the different birds and counting them is showing me how the present climate is affecting them all. I've trebled the numbers by planting native hedging. A great app.
Carl B
Helped me to identify more birds
Love this app and has helped me to identify more birds. The challenges and badges are great for keeping the motivation going to get out and keep birding.
Carrie
Makes you want to spot birds more
I think this app is fun. It makes you want to spot birds more so I guess in a way it encourages you to get out and about instead of sitting in front of the TV.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright Β© 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.