The blue waxbill, also known as the southern cordon-bleu, is a striking breed with its powder-blue breast contrasting beautifully with its pale brown back and yellowish breeches. Its other names include the southern blue waxbill and blue-breasted waxbill. The bird’s face, throat, breast, and sides are all powdered blue, while its underparts are pale brown with occasional golden buff highlights. The upper sections of the bird are entirely brown.
The female blue waxbill has a lighter overall appearance compared to the male, as the blue coloration is only present on certain parts such as the head, upper breast, tail, and rump. This charming bird species can be found across several locations in southern Africa, including the Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, and northern South Africa.
It has been reported that this particular type of organism was brought to Zanzibar and the São Tomé islands.
The blue waxbill is an adaptable creature that can flourish in various habitats, but it tends to prefer savannas with moderate to high levels of water, especially those with umbrella thorn trees. Additionally, they seem to take pleasure in the vegetation at the edges of woodlands and cultivated lands.
The feathered creature feeds on termites, various other insects, and grass seeds in its natural habitat. It has also been witnessed devouring ripe fruits that have fallen from the Boscia albitrunca tree.
Breeding for this particular bird species occurs throughout the year, but January is typically the ideal month for laying eggs. Both male and female birds construct a nest made of plants that includes a tunnel leading into it. The nests are usually built inside trees or shrubs, and sometimes they even repurpose the abandoned nests of other bird species. The female lays between two to seven eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them for about eleven to twelve days. Once hatched, the chicks are cared for by both parents until they are fully grown, which takes roughly 17 to 21 days.
Due to its remarkable versatility and ability to adjust, this avian species does not appear to be facing an imminent threat.