ANIMAL: Blue-Capped Cordon-Bleu Uraeginthus cyanocephalus Type of Animal: Songbird Habitat: Grassland, shrubland, desert, savanna, low grassy areas w/ tangled undergrowth, thornscrub, dry acacia woodland, cultivated areas w/ bushes/shrubs/gardens in villages, areas w/ bushes/shrubs/gardens near roadsides Location(s): E Africa Appearance: Males sky blue w/ beige wings/underbelly, females faded/duller sky blue, almost dirty colored, young males resemble birds, somewhat pointy tail Food/Diet: Seeds, insects, insect larvae/eggs, greens, green vegetables, grains, vegetation, apples Status in Wild: Stable Conservation: Breeding in zoos & aviculture Lifestyle: Small flocks of 2-10 birds. Often nest as single pairs but sometimes nest in proximity to conspecifics. Additional Info: Called: Male: Cock Female: Hen Young: Chick Group: Flock Weight: 0.39-0.42 oz Gestation: 2 weeks Life Span: 7-9 years Body Length: 3 in Tail Length: 0.75 in Females usually lay 4-6 eggs. Both sexes have melodious call. 1st molt occurs at 3.5 months & ends at 5.5 months. Chicks leave nest at 1.5 months. Sexually mature at 6 months old. Don’t often roost in nests except when brooding/incubating. When ready to mate, female crouches/quivers tail. Usually feed on ground. Often seen in proximity w/ other finch species. Also called Blue-Capped Waxbill. Sometimes hybridize w/ other finch species. Usually breed when rainy season ends. Can breed up to 3 times a year. Fun Fact(s): Somewhat difficult to breed in captivity. Pairs dance holding twigs in beak & tap feet between 25-50 times a second, making buzzing sound. Males often take part in “sexual chasing,” in which male chases/pecks female-especially when interrupted by rival male. Often drink by sucking up water & appear to love baths.
