Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu

By Charlie • February 11, 2006 • 1 comment

Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu Uraeginthus bengalus
Abuja, Nigeria. 2004 and 2006

The Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu Uraeginthus bengalus is a common African waxbill, typically found in wooded savanna and rank grassland, and also in gardens, scrub, fields, and secondary, degraded habitats . Only the male has the distinctive red-cheek. Where this species overlaps with the more southerly Blue Waxbill/Cordon-bleu, it apparently shows a longer tail and females typically have less blue on the underparts.

red-cheeked cordon-bleu

All photos copyright Charlie Moores

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About the Author

Charlie

Charlie works for an airline and has birded all over the world for twenty years. He wants to be a writer, and thinks no-one would believe his life could be so charmed if he didn't take photos of as many of the birds he sees as possible. Blogging with 10,000 Birds fits his aims, needs, and insecurities perfectly. Really - do birders get much more fortunate than this?

One Response to “Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu”

Wanda and Wayne Major, Jr Dec 23rd, 2009 at 5:58 pm

I just came across the photos you took of red-cheeked cordon-bleus. Lucky you to have such a charmed life, but then having a hobby of both birding and photography would automatically bring that about, no doubt. Thanks again for helping us with the calendar picture. I may come across another puzzler eventually.

FOR INSTANCE, on our Lander Christmas Bird Count this last Saturday we got to watch a “hawk” devouring a bird it had caught. We got good photos of it. To me the bird is a Cooper’s hawk because of the dark, flat head and it’s size, plus the skinny legs. The tail was rather rounded rather than squared off but we didn’t get to see it fly. However, the more experienced folks decided it was a Sharpshin. Me being an amateur bowed to their experienced minds. I believe I’ll send you the photo and get your opinion. THANKS AGAIN, my this is fun. Watch your e mail. Wanda Major

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