Introduction: Orange-breasted waxbills (Sporaeginthus subflavus) are often observed in pairs or family groups of up to 20, in grassy savannah, reedbed or moist grassland type habitats. They roost in tall reedbeds and are regular bathers and drinkers, hence the requirement to be not too far from water.

Distribution: Eastern Caprivi Strip, Mahango National Park and Chobe River.

Diet: Eats small grass seeds and soft plant shoots.

Description: A small waxbill with a short, rounded tail. Sporaeginthus is a combination of 2 Greek words. Sporos means 'a seed' and Aegintha 'waxbill genus'. Often confused with the African quailfinch which has a brown and not red, rump. Subflavus is Latin for 'yellowish below'.

Breeding: Lays from 3 to 7 eggs from January to June, incubated for around 14 days. Known to use disused nests of other species, mostly widowbirds, but also bishop and weaver nests.

Size: 10cm. Weight: 8g.

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