At a glance
Essentials
- Size
- It measures between 10 and 12 cm in length. The range may vary with age, sex and population.
- Distribution
- Its distribution includes mountainous regions of sub-Saharan Africa, from southern Ethiopia to the highlands of Malawi and Angola.
- Habitat
- It inhabits montane forests with dense undergrowth, as well as scrubland and secondary forest areas.
- Activity
- It is a diurnal bird that lives in pairs or small groups of up to ten individuals, spending most of its time near the ground.
- Diet
- It feeds mainly on grass seeds and also consumes seeds from introduced trees such as *Pinus patula*.
- Conservation
- It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Observation guide
What to look for
- 01
The male plumage features a distinctive red mask extending from the sides of the bill to the eyes, while in the female this mark is less evident and the red is limited to the wing coverts.
- 02
The bill is black in both sexes and the body reaches a length of up to 12 cm.
Lighting, age and viewing angle can hide features. If identification affects consumption, handling or conservation, consult specialist sources.
Ecology
Description and characteristics
The Reichenow's estrilda (Cryptospiza reichenovii) is a species of passerine bird belonging to the family Estrildidae. It is found in the undergrowth of mountainous regions of sub-Saharan Africa, where it occupies montane forest habitats with dense vegetation. In the Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda, altitudinal segregation with other species of the genus has been documented, with C. reichenovii occupying lower levels (around 1960 m) compared to C. salvadorii (2700 m).