22-12-2023 FARASUTU FOREST, GAMBIA - RED CHEEKED CORDONBLEU (JUVENILE) (Uraeginthus bengalus)

The red-cheeked cordon-bleu or red-cheeked cordonbleu (Uraeginthus bengalus) is a small passerine bird in the family Estrildidae. This estrildid finch is a resident breeding bird in drier regions of tropical Sub-Saharan Africa. Red-cheeked cordon-bleu has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 7,700,000 km2.

Like other members of its genus, the red-cheeked cordon-bleu is a very small finch, measuring only 12.5–13 cm (4.9–5.1 in) in length.[10] It weighs 9.9 g (0.35 oz) on average, with known extremes in wild populations ranging from 8.9–11 g (0.31–0.39 oz).[11] The adult male has uniformly brown upperparts, pale blue breast, flanks and tail and a yellow belly. There is a red patch on each cheek, but this can rarely appear orange or even yellow. Females are similar but duller, and lack the cheek spot. Immature birds are like the female, but with blue restricted to the face and throat. 

21-12-2022 KOTU, GAMBIA - RED CHEEKED CORDONBLEU (MALE) (Uraeginthus bengalus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/14027-Uraeginthus-bengalus

25-4-2022 KOTU, GAMBIA - RED CHEEKED CORDONBLEU (MALE) (Uraeginthus bengalus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/14027-Uraeginthus-bengalus

17-4-2022 MANDINA LODGE, GAMBIA - RED CHEEKED CORDONBLEU (MALE) (Uraeginthus bengalus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/14027-Uraeginthus-bengalus

19-3-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - RED CHEEKED CORDONBLEU (MALE) (Uraeginthus bengalus)

The Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu (Uraeginthus bengalus) is a diminutive and charming finch, a resident breeder in the drier regions of tropical Sub-Saharan Africa. The male is adorned with a striking red patch on each cheek, which can occasionally appear orange or yellow, set against a backdrop of brown upperparts and a pale blue breast, flanks, and tail, with a contrasting yellow belly. The female, though similar in form, is a more subdued version and lacks the cheek spot. Juveniles resemble the female but with blue limited to the face and throat.

When observing these birds, look for the male's distinctive red cheek patches and the pale blue coloring on the breast and tail. Females are less colorful, lacking the cheek spots, and both sexes have a small stature, measuring a mere 12.5–13 cm in length.

The Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu thrives in a variety of habitats, excluding dense forest interiors. It is commonly found in open dry grasslands, savannas, and areas surrounding human habitation, from sea level to elevations of 2,430 meters.

This species boasts a vast range across central and eastern Africa, from Senegal and Gambia in the west, stretching east to Ethiopia and Somalia, and southward to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. It has also been introduced to Hawaii and Oahu.

These finches are often seen in pairs or small groups, foraging on the ground in open areas. They are known to be granivores, with a diet primarily consisting of grass seeds.