Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu

About

The Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu is a small, vibrant passerine bird native to sub-Saharan Africa. Known for its striking blue plumage and distinctive red cheek patches in males, it is a popular aviary bird but also a common and widespread species in its natural habitat. It is a granivorous species, typically found in open woodlands, savannas, and cultivated areas.

Size & lifespan

Length

12-13 cm

Wingspan

15-17 cm

Weight

8-12 g

Lifespan

3-5 years (in the wild), up to 7 years (in captivity)

Diet

Granivore (primarily seeds), supplemented with insects

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Males are predominantly sky-blue on the head, nape, back, and rump, with a pale brown belly and flanks. A prominent crimson-red patch adorns each cheek. The wings are brownish-grey, and the tail is blue. Females are duller, lacking the red cheek patches and having less extensive blue plumage, often appearing more brownish-grey on the back and head with a blue wash. Both sexes have a pale blue supercilium (eyebrow stripe).

Beak shape

Small, conical, and pointed, adapted for cracking seeds. The bill is typically pinkish-red.

Eye color

Dark brown, surrounded by a pale blue orbital ring.

Leg color

Pinkish-brown to reddish-brown.

Distinguishing features

The vivid blue plumage combined with the male's red cheek patches are the most distinctive features. The small size and conical bill are also characteristic.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles are duller than adults, with a predominantly brownish-grey plumage and only a faint blue wash on the rump and tail. They lack the red cheek patches and have a blackish bill that gradually turns pinkish-red with maturity.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent throughout the year, though wear and tear can make colors appear slightly duller over time.

Sexual dimorphism

Pronounced. Males have bright red cheek patches and more extensive, vibrant blue plumage. Females lack the red cheek patches and have duller, less extensive blue coloration, often appearing more brownish overall.

How to identify

1. 1

   Male Plumage

   Look for the striking sky-blue head, back, and rump, combined with the unmistakable crimson-red cheek patches. The pinkish-red bill is also a good indicator.

2. 2

   Female Plumage

   Identify females by their duller blue coloration, more brownish-grey head and back, and the complete absence of red cheek patches. They still retain a blue wash on the rump and tail and a pale blue supercilium.

3. 3

   Bill Color

   Both sexes have a distinctive pinkish-red, conical bill, which helps distinguish them from some other small finches.

4. 4

   Habitat

   Often found in open, dry habitats with scattered bushes and trees, and frequently in human-modified environments like gardens and cultivated fields.

5. 5

   Vocalizations

   Listen for their soft, high-pitched warbling song and characteristic 'tsip' contact calls.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Savanna, open woodlands, shrublands, grasslands, cultivated areas, gardens, and human settlements.

Geographic range

Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Gambia in the west, east to Ethiopia and Somalia, and south to Angola and Zambia.

Elevation range

Sea level up to approximately 2,000 meters (6,500 feet).

Preferred environments

Prefers dry, open habitats with scattered trees and bushes, often near water sources. Frequently found in areas modified by humans, such as agricultural fields, parks, and suburban gardens.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, most active during the cooler parts of the morning and late afternoon.

Feeding habits

Primarily granivorous, feeding on small grass seeds, which it gleans from the ground or directly from seed heads. It also consumes small insects, particularly during the breeding season to supplement protein for chicks. Forages in small flocks or pairs.

Social behavior

Highly social, typically found in pairs or small family groups. Outside the breeding season, they may form larger flocks, sometimes mixed with other estrildid finches. They are generally tame and approachable.

Flight pattern

Undulating flight, typical of small finches, with rapid wing beats followed by short glides.

Migration pattern

Mostly resident throughout its range, with some local or nomadic movements in response to food availability or rainfall patterns. Not a long-distance migrant.

Territoriality

Males can be territorial during the breeding season, defending a small area around the nest site. Outside of breeding, they are less territorial and more communal.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Varies geographically, often coinciding with the rainy season or post-rainy season when food (seeds and insects) is abundant. Typically between August and January in West Africa, and March to June in East Africa.

Nesting habits

Nests are typically spherical or flask-shaped structures with a side entrance, built from grass stems, fibers, and feathers. They are usually placed low in thorny bushes, small trees, or sometimes in the eaves of buildings. Both parents participate in nest construction.

Clutch size

3-6 eggs, typically 4-5.

Egg description

Small, pure white, and oval-shaped.

Incubation period

11-13 days, primarily by the female, though the male may assist.

Fledging period

17-21 days after hatching. Young are fed by both parents.

Parental care

Both parents share incubation duties (though female does most) and actively participate in feeding and caring for the chicks until they fledge and become independent.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Look for movement in low bushes. They often forage on the ground or in low vegetation, so scan the lower parts of bushes and grass for movement.
2. Listen for their calls. Their soft 'tsip' calls can often lead you to a flock or pair before you see them.
3. Visit waterholes. They are regular visitors to waterholes, especially in dry areas, making these good spots for observation.
4. Check bird feeders. In areas where feeders are present, they may visit for seeds.
5. Observe in pairs or small flocks. They are social birds, so if you spot one, there are likely others nearby.

Similar species

Quick facts

Diet:

Mainly seeds, some insects

Habitat:

Savannas, open woodlands, gardens

Sociality:

Social, often in pairs or small flocks

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Distinguishing Feature (Male):

Red cheek patches

Fun facts

• The Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu is a popular cage bird due to its beautiful plumage and relatively docile nature, leading to its introduction in some non-native areas.
• Like many estrildid finches, they are known to engage in 'allopreening,' where individuals preen each other's feathers, strengthening social bonds.
• Their nests are often well-camouflaged within thorny bushes, providing protection from predators.
• They are sometimes observed dust-bathing, a common behavior among passerines to maintain feather health.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Estrildidae

Genus

Uraeginthus

Species

Uraeginthus bengalus

Explore the Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu