About the Shelley's Crimsonwing
Shelley's crimsonwing is a vulnerable species of estrildid finch native to the Albertine Rift montane forests. It has shown population decline over the past few decades, with a current population estimate of 1,000–2,499. This is possibly related to uncontrolled deforestation.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
It is a brightly coloured finch found at low levels. It is approximately 13 centimetres (5.1 in) long. The male Shelley's crimson-wing has bright red crown, face and back, with contrasting black wings and tail, as well as olive-yellow underparts with warmer tones on flanks and belly. The female is drabber with an olive head and some red on the mantle and rump. Both sexes have bright red bills. Its voice is sharp and high-pitched with tit tit tit call. Rising and falling series of high-pitched tu tutu ti ti ti.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in April · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Abyssinian CrimsonwingCryptospiza salvadoriiThe Abyssinian crimsonwing is a small, shy greyish olive finch with bright crimson wings, mantle, back and rump.
Dusky CrimsonwingCryptospiza jacksoniThe dusky crimsonwing is a common species of estrildid finch found in Africa.
Red-faced CrimsonwingCryptospiza reichenoviiThe red-faced crimsonwing is a common species of estrildid finch found in Africa.
Learn the Shelley's Crimsonwing for real
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