|
|
|
Useful Links |
Cut-throat Finch | Amadina fasciata
The Cut-throat Finch is a Southern African bird that belongs to the Estrildidae bird family group which includes birds such as Waxbills, Firefinches, Twinspots. The description for the Cut-throat Finch (Latin name Amadina fasciata) can be found in the 7th Edition of the Roberts Birds of Southern Africa. The Amadina fasciata can be quickly identified by its unique Roberts identification number of 855 and the detailed description of this bird is on page 1042. You will find a picture of the Cut-throat Finch on page 1057. NOTE: The reference for the information following is "Roberts Birds of Southern Africa", 7th Edition*. This edition contained a number of taxonomic changes as well as changes to English names used traditionally and in earlier editions of most bird books in South Africa. The following paragraph notes such changes if any. Neither the Latin nor the Engish name for this bird has been affected by recent nomenclature modifications ? these changes have been incorporated into Robert's 7th Edition where appropriate. The Cut-throat Finch is known in Afrikaans as Bandkeelvink. The Cut-throat Finch has a height of 12 cms and weighs around 18 gms. The head is coloured brown while the bill is coloured brown. The Amadina fasciata has a black, white coloured throat, purple legs and a brown coloured back. The eyes are brown. The male Amadina fasciata has physical features that are slightly different from the female bird. Take note of the main distinguishing features such as colour, size and leg length relative to the body size. Colours of body parts can be helpful. Be aware what may appear brown to one person is described in Roberts using some other word ... for example brown, black. See colours used in Roberts. Head is brown Eyes are brown Bill is brown Legs are purple Throat is black, white Back is brown Feeding Habits ...This bird forages for food on the ground The Amadina fasciata attacks its prey aerially and feeds on wing or takes the prey to a secluded venue where it is killed, torn into small pieces and eaten This bird eats insects such as butterflies, bees, wasps, locusts and ants. These invertebrates are usually hawked aerially, killed and then eaten . The Amadina fasciata forages mainly on the ground or at the base of trees, and low down in the shrubs eating mostly fruits and seeds. Breeding, Habitat and Nesting Habits ...The Cut-throat Finch is a monogamous bird which means that the bird finds and breeds with one partner for the rest of its life. The bird lays between 2 to 7 eggs and they are coloured white. The bird builds its nest within a tree cavity just a few meters above the ground. The hole in the tree is normally reused in the next nesting season. The Cut-throat Finch is mainly found in light and densely wooded forests, where there are Mopane trees. Seen in Flocks, Singles or Pairs Normally ...This bird is usually seen in small family groups or in large flocks |
