The Cut-throat Finch (Amadina fasciata) 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.
The Cut-throat Finch has plumage that is pale, sandy brown with flecks of black all over. They have 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.
Range map from www.oiseaux.net - Ornithological Portal Oiseaux.net
www.oiseaux.netis one of those MUST visit pages if you're in to bird watching. You can find just about everything there
Reproduction Cut-throat finches usually use nests constructed by other birds . A clutch usually consists of 3 to 6 white eggs, which hatch after an incubation period of 12 days.
Origin Origin and phylogeny has been obtained by Antonio Arnaiz-Villena et al..[3] Estrildinae may have originated in India and dispersed thereafter (towards Africa and Pacific Ocean habitats). Its closest relative is the red-headed finch.
Calls from one of a pair of birds perched fairly high in a long tree in an open, overgrazed plain. Lots of wind noise and some talking in the background of this cut.