Clothed In A Stunning Array Of Color, This Tiny Birds Rump Becomes A Beacon Of Light For All To See!
Clothed in a stunning array of color, this highly distinctive bird’s rump becomes highly visible during flight.
Meet the Orange-breasted Waxbill
The Orange-breasted Waxbill (Amandava subflava) is the smallest seed-eating estrildid, measuring approximately 90mm in length and weighing around 7.5 grams. Its petite size is evident when compared to a Gouldian hen, emphasizing its delicate nature. Adult males of this species display a dark olive to brown coloration on their neck, back, and top of the tail feathers. Their chest and underparts, extending to the tail coverts, exhibit a vibrant orange hue. Additionally, a striking red eye stripe runs from the mandible to the back of their head, adding to their distinctive appearance.
In contrast, adult hens are generally duller in color, with the orange underneath appearing more like a beige or buff shade. To distinguish the genders, one can observe that hens lack the red eye stripe seen in males.
Juveniles are smaller than their adult counterparts, with stumpy tails and a slightly duller coloration similar to the hens. As they mature and undergo their first molt, their appearance will develop into that of the adult hen.
This bird’s distribution spans much of sub-Saharan Africa, excluding the southwest corner.
They thrive in grassy plains and savannah grasslands while avoiding arid and tropical regions. In captivity, they are common residents in Australian and European aviaries.
Regarding diet, they primarily consume seeds, insects, and shoots. In captivity, they should be fed a high-quality dry finch mix along with green foods and vegetables, such as broccoli, dandelion leaves, and cress. During the breeding season, they benefit from soaked or sprouted seeds, small mealworms, and fruit flies.
In their natural African habitat, Orange-breasted Waxbills breed at the end of the wet season, just as the dry season begins. In Australian aviaries, they are considered free breeders and often start breeding in autumn (around March), continuing through October. A densely planted aviary with ample vegetation cover supports successful breeding. They thrive best in large aviaries with natural or artificial vegetation for added comfort and security. When breeding, these birds prefer nesting in brush, cane baskets, or other small receptacles. They utilize soft grasses, like November grass and coconut fiber, for nest construction. Additionally, providing emu feathers and small white feathers during the breeding season enhances their nesting experience.
The finch discussed here enjoys a widespread and abundant population across its expansive habitat, leading to its classification as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Furthermore, it is recognized on Appendix III of CITES in Ghana, highlighting its conservation significance in the region.
