The Black-crowned Waxbill (Estrilda nonnula) is a common species of estrildid finch found in western-central Africa.
Distribution: S.E. Nigeria, Cameroons, S.W. Sudan, Uganda, S.W. Kenya, E. Congo, Zaire.Inhabits forest clearings, forest edge, cultivated areas or savannah with abundance of bushes
Description This and the Black-headed Waxbill are very similar. Much paler grey on upperparts than the Black-headed and has virtually all white (tinged grey) underparts whereas the Black-headed has black on the vent and a larger area of red on the flanks.Female Similar to male but slightly greyer brown mantle with less distinct barring, and white parts are usually more suffused with grey particularly in vent area.
Highly social, sometimes in very large flocks.
Breeding In the wild, nests usually in a bush or tree from less than one to about six metres high. Several nests may be sited in the same tree. Nest built of grass stems usually with a shortish entrance tube sloping down and lined with feathers, vegetable down and fine fibres. Usually 4 to 6 eggs , incubation period is 11 to 13 days and young fledge at 20 to 22 days old. Both sexes share incubation by day. All calls are very soft and high pitched, the nest call being a faint soft twittering. Male may display holding a stem of grass and jerking the head upwards but female may display in similar manner, usually without the grass.
Diet: In the wild feeds largely on grass seeds including cultivated millet. Catches flying termites on the wing. In Captivity:Paradise Earth Premium Finch Blend, Premium Insect Blend and fruit.. When feeding young requires small live food .