Blue-capped Cordonbleu

Blue-capped Cordonbleus are beautiful little African finches. They live in grassland and shrub habitat in parts of East Africa. These colorful finches eat both seeds and insects. Their thick finch bills earn them the nickname "waxbill."

The male Blue-capped Cordonbleu has bright blue upperparts with tawny brown wings and belly feathers. Females are similar but duller in plumage, with less blue around the head.

Because of their beauty, quiet nature, and willingness to breed in captivity, Blue-capped Cordonbleus are popular aviary or pet birds. Despite the continued practice of capturing wild birds for the pet trade, the species has a conservation status of Least Concern.