Common – uncommon – Nomadic. White rump and zebra-barred tail coverts conspicuous in flight. Wax-red bill; black and white tear stripe before and below eye. Light rufous ear patch. Mid-grey to brownish above. Fine black and white barring on throat. black chest bar. Flanks light chestnut, spotted white. White abdomen. Female: Buff abdomen. Size: 10cm. Juvenile: As female, black bill. Voice: Nasal twang ‘tiaah’; soft rhythmic song. Habitat: Most inland open country, farms. Often in mature introduced boxthorn bushes.
Simpson & Day 7th Ed.
Classifications:
Bird, forest and grassland
Family:
Estrildidae
Information sources:
Photo 1 - male; Photo 2 Female - both taken at Homevale by Marlis Schoeb
