African Wildlife & Environment Issue 84 2023

BIRDING

northeastern Namibia, and extreme western Zimbabwe, where it inhabits riparian and thicket vegetation. Here it is recorded both as common and as a widespread resident. Its small size and a preference for dense thickets, render this pretty little bird inconspicuous, and close resemblance to the female Red billed Firefinch, a sympatric species in several places, may also cause some confusion.

Photograph: Grant Atkinson

construct a small grass canopy over the entrance of the nest. These nests are often lined with feathers and animal hair and Brown Firefinch have been recorded using domestic chicken feathers in their nests. Brown Firefinches were observed using an abandoned sunbird nest as well as nesting in the grass shelter of a pit latrine. Red-billed often also nest under thatch roofs, crowns of palms, low holes in walls and occasionally on the ground in thick undergrowth. Eggs: on average, around 3 to 4 white eggs are laid.The incubation period is 11 to 14 days.

Photograph: Grant Atkinson

Threats and conservation status of Firefinches IUCN status is given as least concern.

The Brown Firefinch is a resident in the Okavango and Caprivi, with reporting rates increased in summer. Since it is a habitat specialist restricted to the Okavango and adjacent riparian systems, seasonal movements are unlikely. The increase in reporting rates may be a result of increased conspicuousness during the breeding season. Like the Red-billed Firefinch, it is parasitized by the Village Indigobird. Feeds on seeds from indigenous seasonal grass varieties, grain, small insects, and ants, partial to seeds of Bur-bristle grass. They will eat millet on garden feed trays and termites if available.

Further reading Avicultural research unit (1997) African birds in field & aviary. African bird book publishing, Westville KZN. South African Bird Atlas project two. Animal Demographic Unit, University of Cape Town. Tarboton, WR. (2011). Roberts Nests & Eggs of Southern African Birds. John Voelcker Bird

Book Fund Wikipedia

Firefinches: Nesting and breeding information

Generally, the nest is a well-hidden small, untidy round ball of dry grass, roots, and leaves with a side entrance from ground level to about 2 m off the ground. Red-billed Firefinches however

John Wesson jwesson@wessanorth.co.za

52 | African Wildlife & Environment | Issue 84 (2023)