Green-winged Pytilia
A species of Pytilias Scientific name : Pytilia melba Genus : Pytilias
Green-winged Pytilia, A species of Pytilias
Botanical name: Pytilia melba
Genus: Pytilias
Content
Description General Info
Description
The green-winged pytilia (Pytilia melba) is a common species of estrildid finch found in Africa. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 6,000,000 square kilometres (2,300,000 sq mi). It is widespread throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, though it is more rarely seen in central, far southern and coastal western parts of the continent. It has two subspecies groups, nominate melba in the south and the northerly citerior, which are sometimes treated as separate species. Usually, additional subspecies are recognized within these two groups.
Size
14 cm
Feeding Habits
Green-winged Pytilia primarily consumes small grass seeds and insects like termites and pseudoscorpions. Feeds on the ground, often visiting flowering acacia trees. Known for rearing young on termites, green-winged Pytilia forages in pairs or small flocks, sometimes digging with its bill to extract termites from tunnels.
Habitat
The green-winged Pytilia is typically found in a variety of open woodland environments, including Acacia thorn savanna and thickets, as well as dry savanna woodlands. It also inhabits areas adjacent to riparian forests, overgrown cultivated lands, and graveyards, predominantly in lowland regions.
Dite type
Granivorous
General Info
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Estrildid finches Genus
Pytilias Species
Green-winged Pytilia