Jamesons firefinch

Introduction: Jameson's firefinch (Lagonosticta rhodopareia) usually inhabit the edges of riverine forest and in the understorey of wooded locations. Although they are often observed singly or in pairs, small groups of up to 10 birds, often with other species of seed-eaters, are fairly common.

Distribution: L.r. Ansorges are found around Epupa Falls and Ruacana. L.r. Jameson can be observed in the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip), Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve.
Diet: Forages on the ground, often close to cover and in mixed flocks for fallen grass seeds. Also takes ants, termites and small ants.

Description: Often confused with red-billed and brown firefinches who have reddish (not blue) bills and pinkish (not blackish-grey) feet. Rhodopareia is a Greek meaning for 'red or rose cheek'.
Breeding: Usually 3 or 4 eggs are laid mainly in the summer months when the availability of insect prey is at its highest. Incubation is up t 15 days.

Size: 11cm.

Weight: 10g.