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Black-cheeked Waxbill
Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 10:02 pm
by Sally
I just got this pair today, and they just won't cooperate for a photo. I managed to get this one, but it doesn't show just how gorgeous they are. Once they are more settled, maybe I can get a good picture for you. Estrilda erythronotos, they are from South Africa. I also got two pairs of Lavenders, but they have been impossible to photograph, bouncing all over the place.
Finally got another of the BC Waxbill. I get so frustrated with my camera, because I push on the button to take a picture, and nothing happens, and I miss all the best photos. I guess I need a DSLR!
Re: Black-cheeked Waxbill
Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 10:59 pm
by nelloyello11
Very pretty! Is that a male-female pair? They look very similar - how do you sex them?
Re: Black-cheeked Waxbill
Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 11:23 pm
by G8love4finches
Beautiful birds!...I've never seen one of those....I love waxbills!
Re: Black-cheeked Waxbill
Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 12:21 am
by Sally
I think I got the same bird in both pictures. I know that when I took them out of the shipping box, I noticed they were different. Here is the difference from the NFSS website:
The males are slightly bolder and darker, the chest is a mauve, the belly and vent feathers are black. The hen's chest, lower belly and vent feathers are all mauve.
I've never seen them before either, and I was intrigued by them--and they are waxbills, of course.

My weakness.
Re: Black-cheeked Waxbill
Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 6:14 am
by lovemyfinch
They have such an intriguing colouring Sally, congrats

Re: Black-cheeked Waxbill
Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 7:22 am
by cindy
Congratulations on this pair of beauties!!!
Re: Black-cheeked Waxbill
Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 8:17 am
by finchmix22
They sure look interesting and larger than I thought they'd be. Very pretty. Congratulations.

Re: Black-cheeked Waxbill
Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 9:58 am
by Sally
finchmix22 wrote:They sure look interesting and larger than I thought they'd be. Very pretty. Congratulations.

They are actually just about the size of the Lavenders, but with a slightly longer tail. They are 4 1/2" with a 2" tail. Very active.
Re: Black-cheeked Waxbill
Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 11:55 am
by finchmix22
That is so great. Enjoy them.

Re: Black-cheeked Waxbill
Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 11:22 am
by Queen_Bee
Great looking birds! Let us know how they get on.