Amadina erythrocephala
Red-headed finches inhabit dry savanna and grassland habitats, where they feed mainly on seeds and small insects. They are dependent on a reliable supply of drinking water and is therefore highly nomadic, especially in the dry season. They are frequently encountered in urban and agricultural areas, where the provision of water has aided an expansion of their distribution. Red-headed Finches grow to 14cm in length and weigh up to 27g.
Red-headed finches are usually encountered in flocks of varying sizes, often mixed with other small seed-eating birds. They breed throughout the year inside the abandoned nests of other birds or in holes in trees or buildings, with most eggs laid from late summer to spring. Females may lay as many as 11 eggs, though clutches usually number 4 to 6 eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs for around 2 weeks, with the hatchlings leaving the nest when they’re between 2 and 3 weeks old.
The IUCN considers the Red-headed Finch to be of least concern, describing their population as common and stable. In South Africa they occur across portions of all our provinces, with their distribution further extending into Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Unfortunately there is a market for wild caught Red-headed Finches in the pet trade.
Never seen them. They are very beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They really are eye-catching little birds!
LikeLike
I have only seen these gorgeous little birds are in Mpumalanga, northern KZN and the Free State. Personally I am of the opinion that no birds should be kept in cages. Great photos as usual, they really show the pretty eye-catching markings of these sweet birds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kim! We’re in agreement about capturing wild birds for the pet trade – it is horrendous and only a fraction of those caught survive the ordeal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful in a simple manner.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very much so, Mukhamani
LikeLike
Dis pragtige voëltjies. Ek hou van die kolle op hul onderlyfies. Pragtige foto’s, Dries!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jammer mens kry hulle so selde van naby genoeg gesien om dit na behore te waardeer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pretty little Finch! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely, thanks Teresa!
LikeLike
Wow look at this cutie 😍 it’s beautiful 👌thanks for sharing them 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are only too happy to share our wildlife wonders!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The red head is very bright, but the pattern on the breast feathers is what’s really pretty.
LikeLike
Not many birds here boast a pattern to match!
LikeLiked by 1 person
what a beautiful bird this one is!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Little jewels on the wing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Darn that pet trade, though. I will never understand why people do this….
LikeLike
I really cannot fathom why “we” would want to deny something so beautiful its freedom? Humans can be really cruel and horrid.
LikeLike