Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu in The Gambia

Uraeginthus bengalus

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Overview

The Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu is one of West Africa's most charming and colourful estrildid finches. Known for its sky-blue plumage and lively demeanour, this small seed-eater is common across savanna, gardens, and light bushland throughout The Gambia.

Identification

Adult males are instantly recognisable by their soft sky-blue face, breast, and flanks, contrasting with a warm brown crown, back, and wings. The male features a conspicuous crimson-red patch on each ear coverts, which gives the species its name. Females resemble males but lack the bright red cheek patch and have slightly duller blue underparts. Both sexes possess a slender, pinkish bill with a dark tip.

Habitat and behaviour

Red-cheeked Cordon-bleus favour open dry savanna, cultivated fields, village edges, thorn scrub, and lush hotel gardens. They spend much of their time hopping actively on open ground in pairs or small flocks, foraging for grass seeds and small insects. Their soft, high-pitched contact calls and bouncy flight make them easy to track down once you know their vocal cues.

Breeding and social life

Unlike brood parasites, cordon-bleus build domed grass nests with a side entrance, often hidden in dense bushes, trees, or sometimes close to large wasp nests for protection. Interestingly, they are a frequent host species for the parasitic Village Indigobird. During courtship, the male performs an elaborate display, bouncing up and down with a grass stem in his bill while singing.

Birdwatching in The Gambia

This delightful finch is widespread and frequently encountered throughout the coastal region and upriver. Excellent spots to watch them include the gardens around Kotu Creek, Brufut Woods, Farasuto Forest edges, and dry scrub around Tujereng. They often feed alongside other finches such as the Red-billed Firefinch and various waxbills.

Field note

Look for them early in the morning hopping along dirt trails and garden paths to collect seeds and dew. Keep an eye out for females, which can be distinguished easily by their lack of red cheek patches. Lamin Jobaate regularly helps visiting birdwatchers and photographers find close, cooperative views of these vibrant estrildids.

Would you like to see the Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu in The Gambia? Tell Lamin your preferred travel dates and wish list of birds. He will craft a tailored birdwatching tour suited to your pace and interests. Check dates and availability.