Quailfinch

Overview

The quailfinch (Ortygospiza atricollis) is a gregarious estrildid finch found in open grasslands across Africa. It is characterised by its very terrestrial habits and lark-like feet, and is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Small bird measuring 9–10 cm in length, with bright orange or pinkish legs.
• Short, thick bill that is red during the breeding season but turns black on the upper mandible outside of it.
• Males feature a black face with a small white chin patch and an incomplete white eye-ring, while females have a grey face with reduced streaking and barring.
• Upperparts are grey-brown, and the underside shows black and white barring on the upper breast transitioning to a chestnut lower breast.

Habitat

This species inhabits open grasslands throughout Africa. Its range spans diverse regions, from Senegal and Mauritania to South Africa, Angola, and parts of East and Central Africa, encompassing eleven recognised subspecies.

Diet

Quailfinches are gregarious seed-eaters. They are very terrestrial, foraging on the ground using their lark-like feet and claws.

Did you know?

The quailfinch builds a distinctive ball-shaped nest on the ground in short vegetation, a structure approximately 10 cm in diameter that is constructed by both parents.