Anambra Waxbill
Estrilda poliopareia
A plain, somber waxbill with a pale grayish head, olive upperparts, buffy underparts, a distinctive orange-red bill and rump, and pale eyes. Found in pairs and small and large groups; uncommon and localized in rank grass (especially elephant grass), reeds, and sedges on the edges of rivers, swamps, and forest, and also sometimes in agricultural plantations, particularly manioc. Gives a nasal “nyert,” often in concert with others. The similar-looking Orange-cheeked Waxbill associates with Anambra, but always has an orange face patch (duller in juveniles).
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Estrilda poliopareia
- Authority
- Reichenow, 1902
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Estrildidae
- Genus
- Estrilda
Range and habitat
The Anambra waxbill lives in small flocks of up to 20 birds or more. It appears to be found at southern Nigeria, and is known with certainty from only five reported sightings. It is usually found in long grass along rivers, lagoon sandbanks, marshes, swamps and forest. It feeds principally on grass seeds taken from seedheads.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
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Antigone antigone
Tall pale gray crane with pink legs and red bare skin on head extending down the neck. Juvenile facial coloring less prominent. Typically wades in shallow wetlands or in cropped agricultural areas. Unmistakable in Asia. In Australia, take care to identify from Brolga, which has black legs and gray upper neck. Listen for its loud, far-carrying bugling calls.
Stout Cisticola
Cisticola robustus
Large and relatively colorful cisticola with a rufous cap and back of the neck, and a black-streaked back. Found in lush grassland habitat. The song consists of chirping introductory notes followed by a long buzz. As with other cisticolas, habitat and vocalizations are important to identification. Very similar to Aberdare Cisticola, but lacks streaking on the back of the neck. Fairly similar to Croaking Cisticola, but has rufous on the head.
Rosy Starling
Pastor roseus
Adult is unique, a vision in glossy black and pale pink. Juvenile is brown with an orange bill. Breeds in colonies on steppes and winters in open and wooded habitats. Gathers in huge numbers to roost, often mixing with other species at roost sites. Flocking birds keep up a constant cacophony of dry chattering calls.
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