Blue-Capped Cordon-Bleu

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.

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