Swee Waxbill

Overview

The swee waxbill (Coccopygia melanotis) is a common species of estrildid finch native to Southern Africa. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and is often observed in small, tame parties rather than large flocks.

Identification

• 9–10 cm long with a grey head and breast, pale yellow belly, olive back and wings, red lower back and rump, and a black tail.
• Males possess a black face, whereas females have a grey face; juveniles are duller and have an all-black bill.
• The upper mandible is black and the lower mandible is red.
• Produces a soft 'swee, swee' call.

Habitat

Typically found in uplands within dry shrubland and open forest habitats, though some subspecies also occur in lowlands and may be seen in large gardens.