Western Bluebill

Overview

The western bluebill (Spermophaga haematina) is a common species of estrildid finch found in Africa. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 1,900,000 km².

Identification

• Male birds possess a red-tipped blue bill and red flanks extending from the chin to the breast.
• Males also display a characteristic white-blue eye ring.
• Females have a blue bill with less red at the tip compared to males.
• Female facial colouration varies, appearing as either black, washed red, or maroon.

Habitat

Native to the Guineo-Congolian region, as well as the Jos Plateau and from western Gambia to Guinea Bissau.