The Black-cheeked Waxbill (Estrildia erythronotos) is a South African bird in the finch family. It is about 4 and a half inches long and is predominantly a purple-grey, with a reddish rump and a black tail. The wings are marked with narrow black and white alternating stripes. They have a large black cheek patch on either side of their head and the beak is mainly grey with black.
Male and female waxbills can be difficult to tell apart, but females tend to be duller in color than the males. While the birds are social, they are known to fight and become territorial at times.
Waxbills can be kept as pets, and can be given finch seed, worms, and vegetables. Waxbills need to be fed more than seed however in order thrive, and need a temperature of at least 60 or 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They have been known to be friendly and outgoing with other finches. A good cage environment will include dried grasses or even a planted aviary to make the waxbills feel more at home.