General

Lavender Waxbill: Native to tropical West Africa. Body is gray overall, face has black eyestripe, flanks have a few small white spots. Rump, tail, and tail coverts are red. Bill is red to black, legs and feet are gray. Sexes are similar, females may be slightly smaller and have a slightly paler belly. Juveniles look like a dull version of the adult, lacks white spots on flanks.

Range and Habitat

Lavender Waxbill: First recorded on the Island of Oahu in 1965. They are now found on Hawaii and Maui. Prefers dry scrub habitat, lawns, parks, and gardens. Native to tropical West Africa.

Breeding and Nesting

Lavender Waxbill: Four to six white eggs are laid in a nest built in a forked branch of a tree or bush out of long grasses, plant stems, and coconut fibers. Eggs are incubated for 12-15 days by both parents. Chicks fledge within 16-18 days of hatching.

Foraging and Feeding

Lavender Waxbill: Feeds mostly on the small seeds of fine grasses. Also eats spiders and small insects.

Readily Eats

Seeds

Vocalization

Lavender Waxbill: Song is a quiet "see-see-see-swree" and call is a metallic "chip".

Similar Species

Not likely to be confused with any other species in its range.