Orange-cheeked Waxbill

Birds / Songbirds

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The Orange-cheeked Waxbill is a small African songbird with conspicuous orange cheek patches and a red bill. It favors grassy habitats where seedheads provide food and dense vegetation offers cover. Birds commonly feed in groups, taking grass seeds and small insects. Their small size makes them easy to overlook until several move together through low vegetation. The contrast between the orange face and softer body colors is especially useful when comparing them with other waxbills.

Reference: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance