Gray-headed Silverbill

Lonchura griseicapilla
(Odontospiza griseicapilla)

Grey-headed Silverbill, photo © by Michael Plagens.

Kajiado, Kenya. Dec. 2014.

This seed-eating bird has several stand-out characteristics that make it easy to recognize: a massive silver bill, pearly-speckled head and neck, golden-tan chest and belly, and a bright white patch on the rump. Seeds of grasses are a prime food, and in this photo the bird can be seen pulling seeds from grass spikelets. Found in grassland habitats of East Africa.

Estrildidae -- Waxbill Family

Books:

  • Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania by Zimmerman et al.
  • Birds of East Africa by Stevenson and Fanshawe

More Information:


Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens, page created 7 July 2015