Photo: Ron Knight from Seaford, East Sussex, United Kingdom / CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Rock Firefinch
Lagonosticta sanguinodorsalis
Rock Firefinch (Lagonosticta sanguinodorsalis) — Songbirds & Perching Birds of Africa.
The Rock Firefinch (Lagonosticta sanguinodorsalis) is a member of the Estrildidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 11.4 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 sanguinodorsalis
Quick facts
- Weight
- 11.4 g
- Diet
- Seed-eaters
- Family
- Estrildidae
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Habitat
- Grassland & open country
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Rock Firefinch is a granivore — it feeds mainly on seeds and grain.
Behaviour
A bird of rocky terrain, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The Rock Firefinch is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Rock Firefinch (Lagonosticta sanguinodorsalis) belongs to the Estrildidae family of the order Passeriformes. It is found across Africa. Its distribution covers AF Nigeria, nw Cameroon.
It is a very small bird. Adults weighs around 11.4 g, with a wing length of about 5 cm and a tail of around 4 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 28,000 km² — a relatively restricted global range.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Rock Firefinch?
The Rock Firefinch is a very small bird that weighs around 11.4 g.
Where does the Rock Firefinch live?
The Rock Firefinch is found across Africa with a range covering AF Nigeria, nw Cameroon, where it favours open grassland, scrub and lightly vegetated country.
What family does the Rock Firefinch belong to?
The Rock Firefinch (Lagonosticta sanguinodorsalis) belongs to the Estrildidae family, in the order Passeriformes.
What does the Rock Firefinch eat?
The Rock Firefinch is a granivore — it feeds mainly on seeds and grain.
Does the Rock Firefinch migrate?
The Rock Firefinch is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Rock 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.
What sound does the Rock Firefinch make?
1 real field recording of the Rock Firefinch — including its song — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
How large is the Rock Firefinch's range?
The Rock Firefinch has a mapped global range of about 28,000 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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Guides for this bird
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