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DESCRIPTION
Orange Cheeked Waxbill is 4 inches (10cm). Body greyish-brown, with lighter,
greyer crown and orange cheeks. Underside almost white, rump orangish,
tail black. Eyes brown, beak red and legs pink. Hens may be paler and
smaller. Immatures assume full plumage after first moult, which is approximately
7 weeks.
NATURAL DISTRIBUTION
Orange Cheeked Waxbill is found in west and central Africa, in three subspecies,
plus some in the Caribbean, where some escaped aviary birds established
themselves.
HABITAT
Grassland.
DIET Millet,
plus various seeds.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Insects (aphids, ant eggs and small mealworms) during rearing period.
CAGE LIFE
Pleasing personalities. Prolific breeders, suitable for cage and aviary.
Two males or two hens may act as a couple. Only the male sings. May be
nervous. During breeding season, house in well-planted aviary, with low
bushes and high grass; they like to construct nests about 5 feet (1.5m)
from ground. Also use half-open nest boxes in which they build a ball-shaped
structure. Lay 3 to 4, up to 7 white eggs, incubation 11 to 12 days, fledging
14 to 18 days. Both parents incubate and feed.
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