Common Waxbill ( Estrilda astrild )
- Sent by Rodrigo Girardi Santiago - 07/12/2006
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10,5 cm. The beak and a mask around the eye are bright red. The body is light brown, finely streaked. There may be a red region in the belly. As in other species of cage birds there is great color variation.
Distribution:
Originally in Africa but currently found in many places around the world. In Brazil it may be found in most of the country except from the Amazon region (where it may be found in the suburbs of big cities).
Habitat:
Open landscapes, fields, crops, gardens and parks.
Diet:
Seeds and occasionally insects.
Reproduction:
The nest is built by the couple in shrubs. Its walls are thick and made of grass, feathers and cotton. The entrance is hidden. Sometimes a false nest is built above the actual one in order to deceive predators. The small white eggs (generally 3) are incubated by the couple. This species may also build a small resting nest.
Natural history:
This African cage bird was accidentaly introduced to Brazil in the nineteenth century. It is currently established as a wild bird in many regions of the country. Lives in flocks that produce a characteristic sound when flying. It is interesting to notice that the Brazilian populations feed mainly on seeds of African grasses, also introduced in our country.
