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Meet The Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, The Most Adorable Flying Species In Africa

Do you, by chance, notice that the characters illustrated with big red cheeks are incredibly adorable? These characters are often seen in animation for kids, and artists want to draw them in an exaggerated way so that they look more appealing and lovely in front of the audience. And though we expect that these characters can only be seen on the screen, it’s surprising to know that animals with such features actually exist. That is a tiny passerine bird from the family Estrildidae called the red-cheeked cordon-bleu.

Source: Natasha alba

These birds are native to sub-Saharan Africa's grasslands, savannas, and shrublands. Living in different ecosystems, they are recognized as being able to adapt to a variety of environmental conditions.
They have no unique housing needs, and they seem to prefer sleeping on exposed branches rather than in a nest or another protected spot. This specific habit makes them quite sensitive to low temperatures.

Source: Kevin Agar

Due to its more vivid and dramatic coloring, the male bird may be clearly distinguished from the female. The male bird is distinguished by a striking red patch on its cheeks, vivid blue feathers on its back and wings, and a white belly. And it's interesting that orange or even yellow may sometimes show on their patches. The coloring of the female is lighter, with a grayish-blue back and wings and a less noticeable red spot on its face.
Although juvenile birds resemble female birds more, the blue ones have only covered their face and throat.

Source: Makgobokgobo

 
The Red-cheeked cordon-bleu (Uraeginthus bengalus) is a small bird, measuring between 10 and 12 centimeters in length with a wingspan of approximately 15 centimeters.

Source: Dorothy Sutherland

When defending the restricted area around their nest, red-cheeked cordon-bleus females frequently sing. They sing less often and with less complexity than the males do. Female singing is supposed to support breeding synchronization or pair bond maintenance since it peaks primarily before egg-laying.

Source: Russ

Being a social species, the red-cheeked cordon-bleu frequently gathers in compact groups of up to 20 birds. It is a seed-eater that mostly consumes weed and grass seeds. Additionally, it has also been observed occasionally feeding on beeswax.

Source: Neil Hilton

The male will frequently engage in a wooing dance for the female during the mating season, which involves puffing up its chest and tail feathers and hopping around in front of her.
In the nest, which is a large grass dome with a side entrance in a tree, shrub, or thatch, 4-5 white eggs are placed. When incubating, males get violently hostile toward one another, and birds that are startled usually leave the nest.

Source: Neil Hilton

Although the Red-cheeked cordon-bleu is not presently identified as an endangered species, habitat loss, and fragmentation brought on by agricultural practices, urbanization, and climate change have had an influence on its population. The bird population is also threatened by the popularity of the species trade and the frequent illegal capture and sale of the species. To safeguard the habitat of the bird and stop illicit capturing and trading, conservation measures should be strictly activated.

Source: Greg Lavaty

What an extraordinary bird, isn't it? If you like this amazing bird, please like and share our articles. Besides, don't forget to visit our Homepage every day to explore more interesting birds in the world.
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