11 September 2009

Blue waxbill; Lilongwe, Malawi

Blue waxbillBlue waxbills (Uraeginthus angolensis) were common around Lilongwe, Malawi's capital. Given their abundance, I suppose they eventually become one of the unnoticed species: invisible to most people. But, for me in 2007, most of the birds — and Malawi has a huge diversity — were new and fascinating.
All content © 2009 Pete McGregor

8 comments:

Patricia said...

I have never seen an image of this waxbill. It's coloration is subtle and elegant. Thanks for this lovely portrait.

Zhoen said...

Such subtle coloration.

pohanginapete said...

Patricia, Zhoen: thanks. The colours on this bird are much more muted than those of adult males, which have a strong, striking blue. This is either a female or a young bird (or a very worn-out male!)

butuki said...

It's amazing how often you will see new species that you've never even heard of, in spite of spending years looking at animals!

butuki said...

Just curious: what is that bundle of reeds or rushes the bird is sitting on?

pohanginapete said...

Miguel, that's one of the wonderful things about travelling — encountering all those new lives.

The bundle is part of a railing at the camp where I stayed. Not sure exactly what it was made from, but yes, something vaguely bamboo-like.

D.V.A. said...

whoaaa that bird is so frickin blue! :P never seen one. great shot!

pohanginapete said...

Thanks D.V.A. If you think that's blue, you should see the males! Africa's birds are mind-blowing, in diversity as well as colour. Apparently, Malawi (location of this photo) has roughly 650 species; Tanzania has over a thousand.