Birdsong field guide
Southern Cordonbleu
Uraeginthus angolensis
The Southern Cordonbleu is a small, social estrildid finch easily identified by its striking powder-blue face and underparts contrasted against soft brown upperparts. It is a common resident of the savannas and woodlands across the southern half of the African continent.
What it sounds like
A high-pitched, thin 'tsee-tsee-tsee' contact call and a short, melodic twittering song consisting of rapid, rising notes.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- Males are distinguished from females by having more extensive and vibrant blue plumage covering the face, breast, and flanks.
- Unlike the closely related Red-cheeked Cordonbleu, the male Southern Cordonbleu lacks the crimson ear patches.
- They frequently build their nests near or even inside the nests of aggressive social wasps (Ropalidia species) to deter predators.
- During courtship, the male performs a 'tap-dance' on a branch while holding a blade of grass, vibrating his body and singing to the female.
- While primarily granivorous, they are highly dependent on termites and other small insects for protein during the breeding season.
Habitat
Dry savanna, acacia scrub, open broadleaf woodland, and suburban gardens.
Range
Southern Africa, from Angola and southern DRC through Zambia and Malawi to northern South Africa.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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