Different Types of African Finches (With Pictures)
I’m fascinated by African Finches, a vibrant group within the Estrildidae family, boasting 146 species. These birds, including waxbills and firefinches, are small yet striking, with a size range of 3 to 6.7 inches and a diet of seeds and berries. Their plumage is a kaleidoscope of colors, although their songs are simple chirps and buzzes. Also, They thrive in diverse habitats, from grasslands to forests, and are social, often seen foraging in flocks. Nesting is a communal affair, with dome-shaped homes and clutches of five to ten eggs.
Here we’ll learn about different types of African Finches
1. Genus Amadina
1.1 Cut-throat Finch (Amadina fasciata)
The Cut-throat African Finches is a cool bird with a unique name. It’s called that because the male finches have a red stripe on their necks, but the female finches don’t.
They’re mostly grey-brown with black stripes and spots all over. Also, they have a dark tail, a light brown spot on their belly, and a light-colored beak. You can find these birds living in the southern, eastern, and Sahel parts of Africa. Furthermore, They like it there because it’s their perfect home.
1.2 Red-headed Finch (Amadina erythrocephala)
The Red-headed Finch is pretty easy to spot. The males have bright red heads, while the females have grey ones.
Their bodies are a simple greyish-brown, and they have a pale beak. What’s neat is their belly—it’s got white spots and dark patterns. Also, These birds hang out in the southern part of Africa. They’re just one of the many cool birds you can find there!
2. Genus Amandava
2.1 Orange-breasted Waxbill (Amandava subflava)
The Orange-breasted Waxbill is a bird with a colorful look. The males have a splash of yellow to orange on their bellies, and a shiny red on their backside, eyes, and beak.
They also have a cool red stripe over their eyes. Their back is a dark olive-green color with some green stripes on the sides. The females are similar but not as bright. Also, These birds live in many places across Africa, like the south, east, center, and west. They’re just one part of Africa’s amazing wildlife!
3. Genus Brunhilda
3.1 Black-cheeked Waxbill (Brunhilda charmosyna)
The Black-cheeked Waxbill is a neat little bird. The guys have a grey suit on—their back, head, throat, and chest. Their wings are striped with black, and they have a cool black mask and tail.
Their beak is a dark blue-black, and they show off with a red belly, sides, and backside. The females are similar but not as flashy. You can find these birds chilling in eastern Africa, adding a dash of color to the place!
3.2 Black-faced Waxbill (Brunhilda erythronotos)
The Black-faced Waxbill is a bird with a cool, secret-agent vibe. The males wear a grey ‘suit’ and a neat black ‘mask’ over their faces. They have a blue-black beak and stylish black stripes on their wings.
Their tail is also black, but they surprise you with a red belly and sides. The females have the same look but in softer shades. Also, These birds are locals to southern and eastern Africa, where they add a touch of mystery to the bird world!
4. Genus Clytospiza
4.1 Brown Twinspot (Clytospiza monteiri)
The Brown Twinspot African Finches is a bird with a cool, earthy style. The guys have dark brownish-green on top and a grey head, with a neat red spot on their backside.
They also have a dark beak and a belly that’s a warm cinnamon color with white spots. The females are pretty much the same, but instead of a red throat patch, they have a white one. Also, These birds are from central Africa, where they fit right in with the wild and wonderful nature.
5. Genus Coccopygia
5.1 Angola Waxbill (Coccopygia bocagei)
The Angola Waxbill is a bird that’s dressed to impress. The males have an olive-green back with cool grey stripes, a dark grey head, and a stylish red and black beak.
They show off a sunny yellow belly, a soft greyish-white chest, a bright red backside, and a black tail. They also have a special black patch on their throat that the females don’t have. Speaking of the females, they’re a bit more low-key in color. These birds are exclusive to Angola, making them pretty unique!
5.2 Swee Waxbill (Coccopygia melanotis)
The Swee Waxbill is a bird that’s got style. The guys have a grey head and a flashy red on their lower back and tail. Their back and wings are a cool olive green.
Underneath, they’re a soft pale grey with a red lower beak and a dark upper one. The males also rock a black patch on their face and throat. The females have the same look but without the black patch. These birds are found in southern Africa, adding to the region’s colorful wildlife.
5.3 Yellow-bellied Waxbill (Coccopygia quartinia)
The Yellow-bellied Waxbill is a bird with a sunny yellow belly and a stylish olive-green back. Their tail is black, and they have a grey head with a red splash on their lower back and tail.
They also have a pale grey chest and a chic red and black beak. The males stand out with a cool black mask on their faces. Also, These birds are locals to southern and eastern Africa, where they add a pop of color to the scenery.
6. Genus Cryptospiza
6.1 Abyssinian Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza salvadorii)
The Abyssinian Crimsonwing is a bird with a flashy red back and tail, and sleek black wings. It has a cool olive-grey head and body, with a dark beak.
The guys have extra red on their sides, which makes them different from the females . These birds are from eastern Africa, where they add some bright colors to the place. They’re just one of the many awesome birds you can find there!
6.2 Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni)
The Dusky Crimsonwing is a bird that’s got a mysterious look with its dark grey body and head. But it’s not all grey—the face has a cool red mask, and the back, sides, and tail are also red.
The wings and tail are jet black, which makes the red really stand out. Their beak is dark too. These birds live in the Albertine Rift, a part of eastern Africa that’s full of amazing wildlife. They’re just one of the many unique birds you can spot there!
6.3 Red-faced Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza reichenovii)
The Red-faced Crimsonwing is a bird that’s easy to recognize. The males have a red face that stands out, while the females have a pale yellow face. Both have a red back, rump, and flanks, with black tails and wings.
Their heads and underparts are a soft olive color, and they have dark bills. These birds make their homes in eastern and central Africa, where they add to the region’s rich tapestry of wildlife.
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6.4 Shelley’s Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza shelleyi)
Shelley’s Crimsonwing is a bird with a standout red bill and a matching red back and rump. The wings and tail are a contrasting black, while the throat is olive, blending into olive-yellow below.
The sides are a vibrant orange. Males wear a red crown, distinguishing them from females with their olive crowns. This bird is a unique resident of the Albertine Rift in eastern Africa.
Final Thoughts:
African finches come in many different types. They’re super colorful and have cool patterns that help them blend in or stand out where they live. You can find these finches all over sub-Saharan Africa, from the very west to the south. Some types of finches are found in large areas, but others only live in small spots, and we don’t know much about them. You can find finches almost everywhere in Africa.
