Blue 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
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8 comments:
I have never seen an image of this waxbill. It's coloration is subtle and elegant. Thanks for this lovely portrait.
Such subtle coloration.
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!)
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!
Just curious: what is that bundle of reeds or rushes the bird is sitting on?
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.
whoaaa that bird is so frickin blue! :P never seen one. great shot!
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.
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