Red Cheeks Cordon Blue Waxbill

Slim, long-tailed, pretty waxbill. The upper parts are pale brown and the underparts and tail blue. Males have a distinctive magenta mark on the cheek. Generally common in a wide variety of open habitats, including dry thorn scrub, all types of savanna, villages, and cultivation. Usually in pairs or small flocks. The common call is a high-pitched “tsee-tsee.”  A quality seed mix including canary seed, various millets and panicum, forms the basis of the cordon bleu waxbill’s diet. Seed lacks many essential vitamins and minerals which must be compensated for by introducing other foods. Sprouting seed increases its nutritional value and is a cheap way to improve your bird’s health. Freshly grown green seed heads should also be offered frequently. Some leafy green should be provided throughout the year. Kale, bok choy, endive and silver beet are the most nutritious and will be readily eaten. Spinach can also be given, but only sparingly as it can contribute to calcium deficiency. Cordons will require a large amount of live food when breeding. Mealworms, small crickets and white ants are commonly fed. Commercial soft finch food mixes can also be provided for an added nutrient boost, particularly when breeding. Egg and Biscuit mix is a favorite.