The lavender waxbill (
Estrilda caerulescens) is a common species of estrildid finch native to Central Africa and successfully introduced on Hawai’i. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 620,000 km. The Lavender Waxbill’s beak is dark crimson at base becoming black toward tip. Black eye markings extending from each side of the beak to slightly past the eye. Body is steel gray with a few small, white spots on the flanks; legs and feet: blackish brown; rump, tail coverts, undertail coverts, and crimson tail. The juvenile looks like a dull version of the adult and lacks the white flank spots.
Lavenders definitely need an aviary or a well planted bird safe free flight room. This species will suffer if kept in a traditional cage for an extended time. They need ample space to fly, explore and forage. Problems such as feather plucking and obesity can sometimes be attributed to lack of exercise and overcrowding in small quarters.
Geography: Africa and the Hawaii islands
Song/Call: Click here to hear the Lavender Waxbill
Size: Approximately 4″
Life Span: 7 to 8 years
Sexing: Lavender Waxbills are monomorphic and can not be sexed visually.
DNA Testing
If there is no gender option listed for a bird on our website, that particular species is ‘monomorphic’, which means we’re unable to determine gender without purchasing DNA testing. DNA testing is an additional $149 per bird to guarantee preferred gender. DNA testing may add an additional 3-6 plus weeks to estimated delivery time to allow for gender results. See our FAQs for more info.
Temperament: Lavender Waxbills are social, docile, friendly and curious birds.
Breeding: Lavenders are challenging to breed and definitely not for the beginner breeder. They may become aggressive while breeding, especially towards members of the same species. Breeding pairs should be housed one pair per enclosure, and not housed with closely related species while breeding.
Diet: Classic Finch Seed, Australian Blend Goldenfeast, Dried Egg Food, Millet Sprays, Mineral Grit, along with mixed greens, vegetables, ripe fruits, berries, prouted seed, fresh young seeding grass heads, and meal worms
