We Love Animals
Animals Nature

Barring Gray-Brown Back, Pinkish-beige Belly With Bright Red Patch, And Vivid Red Eye Mask, This Waxbill Is Truly A Gemstone Of Nature

The world of birds is amazing! You can find many species whose beauties go beyond the words used to describe them. They are stunningly beautiful with one-of-their-kind plumage. Some people think that these birds can only be seen in Disney cartoons. The fact is they do exist in nature. When they appear, they can mesmerize all lifelong bird watchers, bird photographers, and normal people like us.

Image Credits:  Instagram/theflacksphotography

The common waxbill (also the St Helena waxbill) is among these captivating birds. The vivid red bill and eye mask are enough to make this species conspicuous in nature.

Image Credits: Instagram/gerace27

Additionally, the back and wings are covered in gray with striking gray-brown barrings. Meanwhile, the chest and belly are pinkish-beige, barred dark grey on the flanks. The striking feature of the lower parts is an elongated, highly visible, bright red patch at the middle of the belly. Such a charming vivid bird!

Image Credits: Instagram/mbentzphotography

The female and the male of this species are quite distinguishable. Her plumage and red patch on the belly are paler. Young birds are dullest as they lack or have a less red belly patch.

Image Credits: Instagram/jaimecere

You can watch the video of this bird below!

The common waxbill is a small passerine bird of the estrildid finch family. They are native to sub-Saharan Africa but now can be found in many parts of the world.

Image Credits: Instagram/gerace27

Regarding the habitats, these birds prefer living in dry and well-grassed areas with shriveled shrubs. But they also like open pastures, urban areas, forest edges, and clearings where they frequent.
This species feeds mainly on seeds foraged on the ground. But they also hunt flying termites if they are available nearby.

Image Credits: Instagram/tekkokoh

During the breeding season, they use a weaved, spherical mass of grasses to build nests. This nest is placed on or near the ground, hidden in similar, grassy vegetation. Interestingly, it has a built-in tunnel-like entrance and a roost built above the nest itself for the male’s use.

Image Credits: Juan Emilio / CC BY-SA 2.0

The female then lays 4-6 eggs in her nest and incubates them with the support of the male for around 10 days. Both parents feed and care for the chicks until fully-fledged, for around 21 days.

Image Credits: láudio Dias Timm / CC BY-SA 2.0

H/T: One Big Birdcage

Related posts

10+ People Living With More Than 3 Pets Reveal What It’s Like, And It’s Truly Hilarious!

Carolyn Mullet

Woman Leaves Back Door Open During Storm, Finds 3 Deer Huddled In Living Room

Carolyn Mullet

Incredible Wild Grizzly Bear Becomes Famous Worldwide After Delivering 4 Cubs At Age 24

Olivia

Stray Dog Interrupts Performance To Comfort Actor Who Pretends To Be Injured

Carolyn Mullet

15+ Shameless Pets Who Don’t Care About Their Owners’ Rules

Carolyn Mullet

15+ Bunny Pics That May Make Your Life A Bit More Easter-ish

Carolyn Mullet

Abused Puppy Is Rescued, Burying His Head In Human’s Arms

Carolyn Mullet

Two Moluccan Cockatoos Get Highly Excited To See Each Other When Shopping

Carolyn Mullet

A Shimmering Combination Of Burgundy Contrasts Perfectly With This Birds Pure White Wings!

Carolyn Mullet

Rescued Since A Newborn, Two Abandoned Baby Elephants Form A Special Bond At The Wildlife Trust

Margot Nolan

How Love And Care Can Turn Timid Animals Into Adorable Pets In 20 Photos

Carolyn Mullet

Your Pets Won’t Get The Coronavirus And Give It To You, Experts Say

Carolyn Mullet