Red-headed Finch/ Rooikopvink

Text Rose Lund      Photos Lynden Lund
  

Mald and Female photographed feeding at our feeders.
One hot January afternoon, while idly watching the birds feeding in our garden, we were startled to see one sparrow-sized bird with a blood-red head foraging quietly amongst the Grey-heads and other more familiar residents. He was soon joined by his mate. This was obvious by the similar strikingly attractive rows of black “scallops” patterning their underbodies from chest to flank. Instead of being completely red however, the top of the female’s head modestly sported a pretty blush pink.

Queleas?, we wondered. Quick research determined that they were Red-headed Finches. Also, that the “scallops” are actually close rows of alternating white spots ringed with black. Other colours are fawn and brown, with white-tipped wings and barred undertails; and a typical but very pronounced seed-eater’s beak. We were fascinated to note that while the various sparrows always scrapped noisily amongst themselves for top position on the seed-feeder, none of them interfered with the finches – and these two made the most of the opportunity!

The highly nomadic Red-headed Finch’s usual habitat is open grassland or dry savanna, and sometimes farmyards. Our chic couple’s stay at Herb Cottage B&B for Birds was brief, and while we were watching, they ate so voraciously we never heard them sing. Apparently their call is a “soft chuk-chuk” or a “zree-zree” in flight.

Since February is the month of red hearts and roses, we offer this red-headed visitor for your interest in the spirit of Valentine. We certainly hope he’ll return to brighten our garden again some day.