Blue waxbill

Introduction: Blue waxbills (Uraeginthus angolensis) favour semi-arid savannah, especially with umbrella thorn. They are also attracted to gardens and settlements of human populations, in pairs when breeding, otherwise in flocks of up to 40.

Distribution: Found in central and northern Namibia particularly along the Kunene River region, Epupa Falls, Ruacana extending to Rundu and the Kavango River region, ranging eastwards through the entire Caprivi Strip to Victoria Falls. Also in Etosha National Park, Tsumkwe and Kaudom Game Park. Abundant in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve.
Diet: Forages in the early morning and late afternoon for seeds and insects, and also takes termites and fallen fruits.

Description: A small waxbill with a powder-blue face, (long) tail and underparts. Uraeginthus is Greek for 'tail like a finch'.

Breeding: Nests are often near active wasps' or disused weaver nests. Both sexes build a thick-walled oval ball made of dry grass and lined with guineafowl, crested francolin or egret feathers.

Size: 13cm.

Weight: 10g.