Orange-fronted Parakeet

Unusual and pretty member of the waxbill family. Shows fine olive-green barring below, yellow edges to the wing feathers, and red on the tail. Generally scarce and inconspicuous. Found in the understory of moist habitats, including miombo and other lush woodland, and in forest edge. Usually seen singly or in pairs. Calls include inconspicuous “tew”, “tip”, and rasping notes. Similar to Green-winged Pytilia but found in moister habitats and separated by finer barring below, yellow wing edges, and different pattern of red on the face of the males.

A small, brightly colored species of dry woodlands and scrub; sometimes visits suburban gardens and parks. It is very similar to the Prairie Warbler, which has a shorter eyebrow that rarely extends much behind the eye. Many Prairies have blackish streaking on sides, while the Vitelline sometimes has dusky streaking on the sides. Similarly, Prairies usually have a white vent as opposed to the Vitelline’s typical yellow vent. Song typically buzzy with three brief introductory notes followed by a longer up-slurred note and then a long down-slurred note: dzz-dzz-dzz-zzzzee-zzzzuu.

The breeding male is a metallic blue and purple overall with maroon feathers on the breast. The female is olive above and yellow below. The nonbreeding male of this species is primarily olive-brown with blackish upperparts and yellow underparts with blue-black band running down the throat and chest. Females can be distinguished from female Purple-rumped Sunbirds by its yellow (not grayish) throat. Seen in pairs, feeding chiefly on nectar, but they also take insects. Breeding males display by fluttering their wings in front of females while singing. They are found in gardens, cultivated areas, and forests.