Waxbills in the UK: Care, Species, and Breeding Guide
Waxbills, a charming group within the Estrildid finches family, are admired for their delicate size and colourful plumage. In the UK, waxbills are primarily kept in captivity rather than existing in wild populations due to the country's cooler climate which challenges their survival outdoors year-round. This guide explores some popular waxbill species found in the UK, their care requirements, breeding behaviour, and how to provide a suitable environment for these delightful birds.
Understanding Waxbills and Their Presence in the UK
Waxbills belong largely to the Estrilda genus. The finches species group is diverse, with many species native to sub-Saharan Africa. Though some waxbills have established wild populations in parts of Europe like Portugal and Spain, in the UK their presence is mostly limited to aviaries and private collections.
The common waxbill (Estrilda astrild) is a familiar species known for its bright red beak and distinctive red eye stripe. While it occurs in the wild in warmer climates, it doesn’t thrive outdoors in the UK climate and so requires indoor or sheltered accommodations.
Common Waxbill Characteristics and Care
The Common Waxbill is a small bird measuring only 11-13cm in length. Their preferred natural habitat includes open grassy areas near water. They feed predominantly on grass seeds and insects especially during breeding season. The birds are social and often live in large flocks.
In captivity in the UK, a good quality foreign finch seed mix forms the bulk of their diet. During breeding, live or frozen insects such as mealworms are a beneficial protein supplement. Waxbills are sensitive to cold damp weather; thus, keeping them indoors or in heated aviaries especially through winter is important to prevent illness.
Lavender Waxbill: A Colourful Delicate Species
The Lavender Waxbill (Estrilda caerulenscens) is particularly striking with its mauve feathers and crimson highlights. Native to Central Africa, it is sensitive to cold and should be housed indoors or in a heated shed during the UK winter months.
These birds often require being kept as pairs due to their territorial nature, particularly when breeding. They can be aggressive if feeling threatened. As with the Common Waxbill, their diet consists largely of grass seed mixes, supplemented moderately with live foods during breeding season.
Other Waxbill Species in the UK
Orange-cheeked Waxbill
The Orange-cheeked Waxbill (Estrilda melpoda) originates from western and central Africa. In captivity, they enjoy foraging for grass seeds and benefit from a variety of feeders, as their quiet nature means they may be pushed aside by more aggressive birds.
They breed in small colonies or pairs, building small grass nests in low shrubbery or on the ground, with fledging occurring around 16-18 days.
Black-crowned Waxbill
The Black-crowned Waxbill (Estrilda nonnula) is rarer in UK captivity. This species has a distinctive black head and crimson rump. They naturally inhabit forest clearings and eat grass seeds and flying termites. Successful breeding relies on supplementing their diet with live foods like mealworms and fruit flies, as these provide essential protein.
Breeding Waxbills in the UK
Waxbills construct unique nests of grass, often with a "cock's nest" on top where the male sleeps while the female incubates. Egg clutches range from 4-7 eggs, incubated for about 11-13 days. Chicks fledge after roughly 16-21 days and are fed by both parents.
Breeding waxbills require stable temperature conditions of around 22#6C or warmer. Nest disturbance should be minimised as some species can be sensitive and may abandon the nest if stressed.
Providing Proper Housing and Environment
Given their tropical origins, waxbills in the UK need protection from cold and damp weather. Indoor aviaries or heated bird rooms are ideal, with plenty of greenery and hiding spots. Adequate ventilation and cleanliness are key to prevent respiratory infections common in finches exposed to poor conditions.
Since waxbills are social but can become aggressive during breeding, housing in pairs or small compatible groups is recommended alongside observing for territorial behaviours.
Purchasing and Responsible Ownership
If you are considering starting a waxbill collection, seeking reputable breeders in the UK can ensure you obtain healthy birds used to local care conditions. Prices vary, with Lavender Waxbills typically costing over £100 a pair while Common and Orange-cheeked Waxbills are more affordable.
Responsible ownership involves understanding their specific care needs, providing a suitable environment, and monitoring health regularly. This approach not only ensures the birds thrive but also supports ethical keeping of these exquisite little birds.
Summary
| Species | Approximate Size | Key Care Points |
|---|---|---|
| Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild) | 11-13 cm | Seed-based diet, indoor/heated aviary, social, breeds well |
| Lavender Waxbill (Estrilda caerulenscens) | ~10 cm | Needs warm indoor space, territorial in breeding, live food supplement |
| Orange-cheeked Waxbill (Estrilda melpoda) | ~10 cm | Quiet, enjoys foraging, requires varied feeding stations |
| Black-crowned Waxbill (Estrilda nonnula) | 11-12 cm | Rarer, needs live food protein, suited to forested enclosure |
Conclusion
While waxbills are not native wild birds in the UK, they are cherished as captive pets for enthusiasts drawn to their beauty and interesting behaviour. Success in keeping waxbills depends on meeting their warm climate requirements and providing dedicated care, especially during the colder months. By sourcing birds from responsible breeders and offering appropriate housing and diet, owners can enjoy the delight of these vibrant little finches at home.
