The Red-Billed Firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala) is a small passerine bird found in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Red-Billed Firefinch has red feathers and brown wings, with a pink-red beak and yellow eye-ring. The female is brown with a small red patch in front of both eyes.

Red-Billed Firefinch

The Red-Billed Firefinch is 10 centimetres (4 inches) in length.

The Red-Billed Firefinch prefers open grassland, but will also be found near residential areas. It feeds mainly on grain and seeds.

Its nest is a large, domed grass structure with a side entrance, built low in a bush or wall. Females lay 3-6 white eggs.

Red-Billed Firefinch

Red-Billed Firefinch

Red-Billed Firefinch (male and females)

Red-Billed Firefinch

Red-Billed Firefinch

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM