Common Waxbill
Estrilda astrild
In a weedy agricultural field at Eldoret, Kenya. Dec. 2015.
The drab gray-brown plumage contrasts with the waxy-looking red bill. Like other waxbills they forage for small seeds finding plenty in agricultural fields and other human-disturbed habitats. This is one species that has benefited and become more abundant as a result of human activities. Common waxbills have been in the pet trade for generations and have been released in tropical habitats in many places around the world. They are native to and widespread in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Estrildidae -- Waxbill Family
Books:
- Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania by Zimmerman et al.
- Birds of East Africa by Stevenson and Fanshawe