Green winged pytilia

Introduction: Green-winged pytilias (Pytilia melba) are also known as the melba finch. They inhabit forest savannah and woodland, especially Acacia, vegetation itself that is close to water. Bathing in puddles after rain is common, usually in pairs.

Distribution: Central and northern Namibia including Windhoek, from the Naukluft Mountains to the Khomas Hochland Mountains, Etosha National Park, Kavango Region, Tsumkwe and Kaudom Park and the Caprivi Strip.
Diet: Forages along the ground for insects and seeds. Also takes grasshoppers, spiders and crickets.

Description: A small waxbill with a slender bill. Males are brightly coloured with a barred belly and yellow wing and grey-brown flight feathers.
Breeding: Males collect nest material for the female to build a dry grass ball-shaped affair with a side entrance. From 2 to 5 eggs are laid from October to May and incubated for around 14 days.

Size: 13cm.

Weight: 15g.