Blue Waxbill

Afrikaans name: Gewone Blousysie

Blue Waxbill

Photo © Steven Herbert

Uraeginthus angolensis

The Blue Waxbill is a pretty and common little bird that is often seen on the ground or low down in bushes.

They are found in Southern and Central Africa. In South Africa they occur in the eastern and north-eastern regions of the country. They are Blue-breated Cordon-bleu is some places.

The male Blue Waxbill has far more blue on it than the female, particularly on the flanks and tummy.

Their main food is seed but they also eat termites and caterpillars.

Up to 7 eggs are laid in a nest made by both sexes.

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References and further reading

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 31

Birds of the Natal Drakensberg Park - Author: Robin Little and William Bainbridge - Year Published: 1992 - Page: 115

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 81

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 220

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 413

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 753

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 752

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 432

List of South African Birds