Order Passeriformes Higher classification Coccopygia | Phylum Chordata Family Estrildidae Scientific name Coccopygia melanotis Rank Species | |
Similar Coccopygia, Yellow‑bellied waxbill, Black‑faced waxbill, Fawn‑breasted waxbill, Grey waxbill | ||
The swee waxbill (Coccopygia melanotis), is a common species of estrildid finch found in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Description and subspecies
The swee waxbill is 9–10 cm long with a grey head and breast, pale yellow belly, olive back and wings, red lower back and rump, and a black tail. The upper mandible is black and the lower red. The male has a black face, but the female's face is grey. Juveniles are much duller than the female and have an all-black bill.
There are five subspecies which are sometimes split into three separate species:
Habitat and behaviour
The swee waxbill is typically found in uplands in dry shrubland and open forest habitats. Some subspecies also occur in lowlands, and may be seen in large gardens.
This species is a common and tame bird typically seen in small parties, and does not form large flocks. The swee waxbill's call is typically considered a soft swee, swee.
Origin
Origin and phylogeny has been obtained by Antonio Arnaiz-Villena et al. Estrildinae may have originated in India and dispersed thereafter (towards Africa and Pacific Ocean habitats).