Grey-headed Oliveback
Delacourella capistrata
Grey-headed Oliveback (Delacourella capistrata) — Songbirds & Perching Birds of Africa.
The Grey-headed Oliveback (Delacourella capistrata) is a member of the Estrildidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 11.6 g.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Passeriformes
- Family Estrildidae Waxbills, Munias & Allies
- Genus Delacourella
- Species capistrata
Where it lives
Senegal and Gambia to Guinea and east to southern South Sudan, western Uganda and northeastern DR Congo
Quick facts
- Weight
- 11.6 g
- Diet
- Seed-eaters
- Family
- Estrildidae
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Habitat
- Woodland
How to identify
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Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Grey-headed Oliveback is a granivore — it feeds mainly on seeds and grain.
Behaviour
A bird of semi-open woodland, it spends much of its time perched in trees and shrubs.
Migration
The Grey-headed Oliveback is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Grey-headed Oliveback (Delacourella capistrata) is a member of the Estrildidae family, within the order Passeriformes. Its range spans Africa. Its distribution covers AF Senegal and Gambia to Guinea and e to s South Sudan, w Uganda and ne DR Congo.
It is a very small bird. Adults weighs around 11.6 g, with a wing length of about 5.5 cm and a tail of around 4.4 cm.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Grey-headed Oliveback?
The Grey-headed Oliveback is a very small bird that weighs around 11.6 g.
Where does the Grey-headed Oliveback live?
The Grey-headed Oliveback is found across Africa with a range covering AF Senegal and Gambia to Guinea and e to s South Sudan, w Uganda and ne DR Congo, where it favours woodland, forest and well-treed country.
What family does the Grey-headed Oliveback belong to?
The Grey-headed Oliveback (Delacourella capistrata) belongs to the Estrildidae family, in the order Passeriformes.
What does the Grey-headed Oliveback eat?
The Grey-headed Oliveback is a granivore — it feeds mainly on seeds and grain.
Does the Grey-headed Oliveback migrate?
The Grey-headed Oliveback is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
What sound does the Grey-headed Oliveback make?
1 real field recording of the Grey-headed Oliveback — including its call — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
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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