Mali Firefinch
Lagonosticta virata
Mali Firefinch (Lagonosticta virata) — Songbirds & Perching Birds of Africa.
The Mali Firefinch (Lagonosticta virata) is a member of the Estrildidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 9.3 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Least Concern.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Widespread and abundant — not currently at risk.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Passeriformes
- Family Estrildidae Waxbills, Munias & Allies
- Genus Lagonosticta
- Species virata
Quick facts
- Weight
- 9.3 g
- Diet
- Seed-eaters
- Family
- Estrildidae
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Habitat
- Woodland
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Vulnerable
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Mali Firefinch is a granivore — it feeds mainly on seeds and grain.
Behaviour
A bird of open scrub and shrubland, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The Mali Firefinch is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Mali Firefinch (Lagonosticta virata) is a member of the Estrildidae family, within the order Passeriformes. It is found across Africa. Its distribution covers AF e Senegal and s Mali.
It is a very small bird. Adults weighs around 9.3 g, with a wing length of about 4.9 cm and a tail of around 4.1 cm.
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern. That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 111,000 km².
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Mali Firefinch?
The Mali Firefinch is a very small bird that weighs around 9.3 g.
Where does the Mali Firefinch live?
The Mali Firefinch is found across Africa with a range covering AF e Senegal and s Mali, where it favours woodland, forest and well-treed country.
What family does the Mali Firefinch belong to?
The Mali Firefinch (Lagonosticta virata) belongs to the Estrildidae family, in the order Passeriformes.
What does the Mali Firefinch eat?
The Mali Firefinch is a granivore — it feeds mainly on seeds and grain.
Does the Mali Firefinch migrate?
The Mali Firefinch is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Mali Firefinch endangered?
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
How large is the Mali Firefinch's range?
The Mali Firefinch has a mapped global range of about 111,000 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
Explore more birds
More in Estrildidae
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
More in Songbirds
Least Concern
Vulnerable
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Guides for this bird
Best Bird Feeders for Garden Songbirds
How to choose a bird feeder for garden songbirds — the feeder styles compared, the seed they prefer, where to hang it, and how to keep birds safe. A decision framework grounded in real data, with no mystery picks.