Cut-throat Finch
Amadina fasciata
The Cut-throat Finch (Amadina fasciata) is a uncommon munias, parrotfinches, waxbills, and alli found in 33 countries, weighing about 18 g. The cut-throat finch is a common species of estrildid finch found throughout Africa; it is also known as the bearded finch, the ribbon finch, the cut throat, and the weaver finch.
About the Cut-throat Finch
The cut-throat finch is a common species of estrildid finch found throughout Africa; it is also known as the bearded finch, the ribbon finch, the cut throat, and the weaver finch.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The cut-throat finch has plumage that is pale, sandy brown with flecks of black all over. It has a black-brown tail, a thick white chin and cheeks, and a chestnut brown patch on the belly. The legs are a pink fleshy colour. The adult male has a bright red band across its throat (thus the name "cut throat"), while the male juveniles have a slightly duller red band. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 3,300,000 km2. It is found throughout much of Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the Sahel, eastern and southern parts of the continent.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Guadeloupe, Spain.
When to see it
The Cut-throat Finch can be seen all year round, with peak activity in January. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Cut-throat Finch?
- The cut-throat finch has plumage that is pale, sandy brown with flecks of black all over. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Cut-throat Finch?
- The Cut-throat Finch is a small sized bird weighing about 18 g.
- Where can you see a Cut-throat Finch?
- The Cut-throat Finch occurs in 33 countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Tanzania.
- What birds look similar to a Cut-throat Finch?
- The Cut-throat Finch is most easily confused with the Red-headed Finch.
- Is the Cut-throat Finch endangered?
- The Cut-throat Finch is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Cut-throat Finch for real
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