Name
Cut-throat finch - Amadina fasciata
Cut-Throat Finch Appearance
The cut- throat finch is a small sparrow sized bird at around 12 cm in length. The sexes are dimorphic in appearance. The male cut-throat finch has a bright red throat band and a barred crown, with the upper parts of its body a greyish to brown colouring, and a rich brown belly patch.
The female is similar to the male, but has a sandier coloured plumage, with barring on the head and upperparts. The female does not have a red throat band.
Diet
The cut-throat finch feeds on seeds and termites.
Cut-Throat Finch Breeding
The cut-throat finch is monogamous and mostly uses a wide range of old bird nests, with communal nesting weavers being the most popular. They will build their own nest, usually under the eaves of buildings. The females lay between four and six eggs, which hatch after around 12 days.
Cut-Throat Finch Behaviour
The cut-throat finch is found either in pairs or small colonies during the breeding season. Outside of the breeding season, they are very gregarious and are found in flocks.
Threats
None.
Habitat
The cut-throat finch is found in semi-arid savannah woodland in the northern areas of South Africa.