Birds add beauty and joy to our lives with their stunning colors, beautiful songs, and playful behaviors. Amongst them, the Red Eared Waxbill stands out with its striking red features and adorable appearance. This charming bird is native to tropical Africa and is highly prized by bird enthusiasts all over the world.

In this article, we will explore the Red Eared Waxbill’s unique traits, habitat, behavior, and care requirements.

Appearance

The Red Eared Waxbill is a small bird, measuring approximately 8-9 cm long. They have a distinctive bright red patch around their eyes and ears, which gives them their name. The rest of their plumage is a beautiful light brown with a white belly. Their beaks are short and curved, adapted for feeding on small seeds and insects. The males have slightly brighter colors than the females, making them easily distinguishable. On the whole, they are charming and beautiful birds that add color and life to any aviary.

Habitat

The Red Eared Waxbill is native to Africa and is found in moist savannas, scrublands, and woodland areas. They prefer areas with tall grass and bushes, as they like to build their nests in dense vegetation. In the wild, they are social birds and often seen in flocks. During the breeding season, the males will perform elaborate courtship displays to attract a mate.

Behavior

Red Eared Waxbills are active and social birds that enjoy the company of their own kind. They are relatively hardy and can adapt well to captivity, making them popular pets among bird lovers. They are peaceful birds that get along with other small bird species. In captivity, they require a good-sized cage with plenty of space to fly and play. Bathing is essential for their health, and they enjoy taking dips in a shallow dish of water.

Diet

The Red Eared Waxbill is primarily a seed-eating bird and, in the wild, feeds on a range of small seeds, including millet, canary seed, and grass seeds. They also supplement their diet with insects and fruit. In captivity, they require a varied diet that includes a mix of seed, fresh vegetables, and fruits. Additives like cuttlebone and grit should be added to their diet to improve their mineral and calcium intake.

Breeding

Red Eared Waxbills can breed throughout the year in captivity. They are monogamous birds and pair up during the breeding season. The male is known for performing elaborate displays, including singing, bowing, and bringing nesting materials to the female. The female will lay four to six eggs, which hatch within 12-14 days. The chicks fledge within 18-21 days and should be removed from the nesting box once they become independent.

Conclusion

The Red Eared Waxbill is a delightful and charming bird that brings a splash of color to any aviary. They are relatively easy to care for and make excellent pets for both novice and experienced bird enthusiasts. Proper attention to their diet, housing, and care requirements can ensure that they thrive and continue to delight their owners for years to come.

If you are looking for a colorful and vibrant pet bird, the Red Eared Waxbill is undoubtedly worth considering.