Description
Waxbill is an African species introduced in Madeira where it now breeds locally in places with reeds. It has a stripped brownish body with upper part darker than lower part. It is easily identified by its red bill and eye-mask on adults. Younger birds have dark brown bill and paler body. Females and males are not easily distinguish as they seem very similar in colours and size.
Distribution
This bird can be found at sea-shore level on both Madeira and Porto Santo islands.
Habitat
in Madeira waxbills are found in habitats with tall grass as marshes or reed beds, usually near fresh water.
Breeding
Waxbills nests are built deep in dense vegetation with grass stems interlaced on a large ball shape. This species lays between 4 to 6 eggs on each brood which vary between 1 to 4 annually. Male and female incubate the eggs for almost two weeks until the chicks hatch and then feed the chicks for two to three more weeks until the young birds fledge.
Madeira/Portuguese name: Bico de Lacre Madeira and Porto Santo Islands breeder Social:Flocks Length: 11 - 13 cm Status: Least concern
