The violet-eared waxbill or common grenadier (Uraeginthus granatinus) is a common species of estrildid finch found in drier land of Southern Africa.
It is found in subtropical/ tropical (lowland) dry shrubland and savanna habitats in Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Description:
Males: Body: dark rich brown. Forehead and rump: deep violet blue,underpants are chestnut and cheeks: violet. The tail is black and beak is red. Hens are similar, but lighter on head, back and under parts. Cheeks: very pale violet, so this bird can he sexed fairly easily.
Breeding:
A varied diet is necessary in breeding of this birds.. This is one of the few wax bills which must have insect food, even outside the breeding season. Greenfood, hardboiled e.g. and shells should also be available during breeding..
Three to four eggs are laid and incubation takes 12 to 14 days. The young fledge in three weeks, resembling the hen in appearance. On maturity, at around three months of age, the sexes can be identified. Otherwise, nest building and preparation is the same as with other waxbills.
Diet: Paradise Pet Products Premium Finch Blend and Insect Blend. Green food, grit and cuttlebone should be available.