THE Blue Waxbill stands out because of its colour, so it can’t be mistaken for any other species.
Description
This chirpy little bird is the size of a typical waxbill, approximately 12cm in length and a weight of between 8g to 13g. The males are mainly grey brown but with a distinctive blue-grey face and chest. The females are very similar but more pale and grey. The bill is a blue grey. Very rarely, the male may have scarlet cheek patches.
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Distribution
This species is found in East Africa and in Southern Africa, from Angola to the eastern parts of South Africa. It is not found in the Cape region, nor in the dry parts of South Africa.
Habitat
The Blue Waxbill is a resident species and quite social, so it is often found in small groups. They are found mainly in savanna, grassland and dry woodlands, particularly those with Umbrella Thorn (Vachellia tortilis) trees. Vachellia is the new genus name for many of what were previously called Acacia species. They are quite dependent on access to water and can often be spotted at waterholes in game reserves.
Feeding
It feeds mainly on seeds, but will also add termites and other small insects to its diet. Local grass species, such as the Natal red-top (Melinis repens) and Bristle grass (Setaria verticillate), provide excellent seeds for these birds.
Breeding
The breeding season is between December and May. The nest is the shape of a small, round ball with an entrance on one side. It is built by both adults using green grass stems. The nest is completed with a lining of feathers. Up to seven eggs are laid and, again, both adults share the duties of incubating and feeding. Chicks fledge after two to three weeks.
Predators and threats
Blue waxbills are preyed on by Goshawks and some owls, but their biggest threat comes from humans. Sadly, they are very popular for the pet trade and are regularly poached. As a conservancy, we are very strongly against holding birds in aviaries and appeal to all our supporters to not engage in this despicable trade that results in many thousands of animals dying each year.
Local information
These birds love grasslands and, unfortunately, there aren’t many of those left the Highway area, so you will need to search high and low for them. Good grasslands in the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve and in the Assagay area provide the best opportunities.
Interesting facts
As with many bird species, the Blue Waxbill has its own unique courtship style. The female is quite placid, but the male gets very excited often swaying a grass frond in its beak and then bobbing up and down on a branch next to the female while chirping the entire time.
Visit www.kloofconservancy.org.za or follow the NPO on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KloofConservancy.
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