Waxbills and Grassfinches: Estrildidae

They are found in sub-Saharan Africa, southeastern Asia, Australia, and South Pacific islands. Various small populations have been introduced throughout other parts of the world.

Weaverfinches are found in savannas (flat grasslands), forests, and semi-deserts, preferring forest edges.

Their diet consists of small half-ripe and fully ripe grass seeds, and during the breeding season they also eat arthropods (invertebrate animals with jointed limbs). Ants and termites are eaten at the beginning of the rainy season. They often dash out from a perch to grab an insect and then return to the same perch.

Weaverfinches are often kept in aviaries (large cages) where a mixed group of different species and colored birds are kept in the same environment. Many species such as the Java sparrow, the zebra finch, and the gouldian finch are domesticated species.

Two species of weaverfinches are listed as Endangered, facing a veryhigh risk of extinction; eight species as Vulnerable, facing a high risk of extinction; and six species as Near Threatened, in danger of becoming threatened with extinction.