Common Waxbill

About the species

Estrilda astrild, the Common Waxbill (also called the St Helena Waxbill), is a tiny finch in the family Estrildidae and the first member of the genus Estrilda featured on Živalce.si - unlike the species already published here (Zebra Finch, Society Finch, Java Sparrow, Gouldian Finch, Diamond Dove, Canary), it belongs to an entirely different genus, not just a different colour or pattern.

In the wild it occupies a large part of sub-Saharan Africa - from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east and south to South Africa - where it lives in damp grassy habitats, along marshes, reedbeds and riverbanks. Escapes from captivity have also established it outside Africa: self-sustaining populations exist today in Portugal, where it is widespread, and it is spreading through parts of Spain, as well as on several islands and in parts of South America and Oceania.

Identifying features

The Common Waxbill measures 9.5 to 13 cm (about 11.5 cm on average) and weighs between 6 and 11 g, making it one of the smallest birds in this category. It is identified by its red, wax-like bill, a narrow red "mask" through the eye, and finely barred grey-brown plumage; adults often show a rose-to-crimson patch on the belly. Females are typically paler than males, and juveniles are paler still, lacking the red belly patch and showing a darker bill.

Temperament and flocking

In the wild, waxbills forage by day in flocks of twenty to forty birds, gathering in even larger groups to roost at night. In captivity, too, it is a strongly social bird that should be kept in a pair or small group, never alone. In a mixed aviary it is a fairly calm, unobtrusive companion that does not disturb other birds, though during breeding it is better kept with less contact from more aggressive or overly inquisitive species.

Housing and temperature

Waxbills are sensitive to cold - a minimum room temperature of around 12°C (54°F) is recommended, and outdoors they need solid shelter from wind, rain and cold snaps. They generally do better in an aviary densely planted with bushes than in a plain cage; if kept caged, the enclosure should be as large as possible, in a calm, warm, draught-free space.

Diet

The diet is based on small grass and millet seeds; during the breeding season waxbills also need small live insects, without which chick-rearing often fails - unlike the Ringneck Dove, which can manage without a regular insect intake.

Breeding

In midsummer a pair weaves a round nest of interlaced grass stems close to the ground or in dense shrubs; the female builds it and the male decorates it further, and both then share incubation. A clutch numbers 4 to 6 white eggs, incubated for 11 to 12 days, with chicks fledging at 17 to 21 days old. A pair may successfully raise several broods in a single season.

Common Waxbill and related species

Slovenia's hobbyist community (an active thread on a forum for canary and exotic-bird keepers) regularly mentions the genus Estrilda as one of the core groups of small cage birds - in that same discussion, the closely related Orange-cheeked Waxbill (Estrilda melpoda) is singled out as the best pick for beginners, distinguished by orange cheek patches rather than a red eye-mask. The Common Waxbill is recommended slightly less often as a true first bird for absolute beginners, but - consistent with other sources - is considered a relatively easy-going, long-lived pet once temperature, company and breeding-season diet are right.

Pros & cons