Black faced waxbill

Introduction: Black-faced waxbills (Estrilda erythronotos) are usually observed in pairs or in small family groups in riverine thornbush and thornveld savannah near permanent water bodies.

Distribution: Throughout central and northern Namibia, less for the Namib Desert and most of the southern reaches of the country.
Diet: Forages with other waxbills and pytilias on the bare ground for fallen seeds. Also reaches up on plants to take seeds. Takes caterpillars, beetles and nectar.

Description: Reasonably distinctive looking waxbill. Lores to ears black, hence the black-faced common name. Forehead pale grey, nape and crown dull grey-brown. Erythronotos is a Greek meaning for 'red-backed'.

Breeding: From January to May, females lay 2 to 6 eggs in a grass nest with an entrance tunnel. Incubation is for 12 days.

Size: 12cm.

Weight: 9g.