Back to Field Guide
Red-headed Finch
Amadina erythrocephala
Range & Recent Observations
Last Spotted Near You
About the Red-headed Finch
The red-headed finch (Amadina erythrocephala) (also known as the paradise finch) is a common species of estrildid finch found in Africa. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 1,600,000 km2 (620,000 sq mi). It is found in Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Males have vibrant red heads and chests while the females are duller. The resemblance to the cut-throat finch is unmistakable. The red-headed and cut-throat finch are the only members of the genus Amadina. Amadinas with their heavy beaks resemble members of the Lonchura, so they are actually more closely related to the Pytilias such as the Melba finch.
Source: Wikipedia
Classification
- Scientific name
- Amadina erythrocephala
- Family
- Waxbills and Allies
- Order
- Passeriformes
Similar species
Other members of the waxbills and allies family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.
- African Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricata
- African Silverbill Euodice cantans
- Black-and-white Mannikin Spermestes bicolor
- Black-rumped Waxbill Estrilda troglodytes
- Blue-capped Cordonbleu Uraeginthus cyanocephalus
- Bronze Mannikin Spermestes cucullata
- Chestnut Munia Lonchura atricapilla
- Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild
- Crimson-rumped Waxbill Estrilda rhodopyga
- Cut-throat Amadina fasciata
- Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata
- Double-barred Finch Stizoptera bichenovii
Know when the Red-headed Finch turns up near you
How rare bird alerts work →Gear for spotting Red-headed Finch
Optics
Best Binoculars for Beginners
You don't need to spend a fortune. These four pairs will get you birding confidently on day one.
8 min readRead guide
Cameras
Cameras for Bird Photography
From phone adapters to dedicated rigs, here's what actually works for capturing birds in the field.
12 min readRead guide