The Red-headed Finch (Amadina erythrocephala), also known as the Paradise Finch or the Red-headed Weaver, is a common species of estrildid finch found in Africa. It is found in Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Males have vibrant red heads and chests while the females are duller. The resemblance to the cut-throat finch is unmistakable. The red-headed and cut-throat finch are the only members of the genus Amadina. Amadinas, with their heavy beaks, resemble members of the Lonchura, so they are actually more closely related to the Pytilias such as the Melba finch. Natural habitat is dense wooded thornbush in breeding season and more open semi-desert grassland in acacia (Acacia) thorn and bush savanna outside of breeding season.

Geography:  Africa

Size / Weight:  5″ / 17 to 30 g

Song / Call:  Click to hear the Red-headed finches

Sexing:  Males are brighter in coloring than the female.

Temperament:  Often seen in small flocks on dry savannahs, the red-headed finch is a ground feeder which feeds well with other species. They often visit waterholes. It has a distinctive double-noted chuck-chuck call.

Breeding:  Males perch upright, while raising the head and body, and fluff their throat and belly plumage in frontal display to females. Red-headed finch nests are globular, with a side entrance, built with grass and straw and are lined with feathers and plant down. Nests are placed in a cavity or tree. They are known to use old nests of other birds, mainly sparrows, Ploceus weavers and Sociable Weaver (Philetairus socius). Clutches are 4–6 eggs with an incubation period of 14 days.

Diet:  Classic Finch Seed, Australian Blend Goldenfeast, Millet, Dried Egg Food, Mineral Grit, Cuttlefish Bone, meal worms