Sporopipes squamifrons
The tiny (10g) Scaly-feathered Finch inhabits dry, open savanna and thickets along drainage lines in arid scrubland, feeding predominantly on grass seeds and, to a lesser extent, insects. They are independent of drinking water.
Scaly-feathered Finches move around in small flocks, often in association with other small seed-eaters. They may breed throughout the year, but there is a distinct peak in the summer months. Nests are small balls, weaved of grass in a thorny bush, with a tiny tunnel opening to the nesting chamber inside. Clutches of up to 7 eggs are incubated for just short of 2 weeks, with the chicks leaving the nest before they are 3 weeks old.
The IUCN considers the Scaly-feathered Finch to be of least concern. In South Africa they can be found on the highveld of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, in Gauteng, the North West, Free State and Eastern, Western and Northern Cape. Outside of our borders they also occur in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, extending marginally into Angola and Zambia.
DeWetsWild 
I want your birds to end up here like Starlings did. Leave many there, but send us some to the right area to survive.
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Fascinating how some birds are found in such small areas while others occur all over the globe, isn’t it!?
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I know. I also want giraffes here and zebras.
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I’m sure they will look beautiful in your garden, Karen!
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I wonder what the neighbors will think? Awe, envy or fear?
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😀
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I agree re the names!
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Seems we have agreement all round, ad we should petition for a name change!
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☺
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I was rather intrigued by how a ‘scaly feathered’ bird would look but it turned out to be another example of an unfortunate name. There is nothing ‘scaly’ about him and except for his angry little face, he’s adorable. Oh, who am I kidding? Even that feathery little scowl is adorable 🙂
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😀
Sometimes I wish the “public” were invited to help with the name-giving – I’m sure between all of us we could’ve come up with a better name than “Scaly-feathered” for this little one – just look at the Afrikaans name (in response to Janet) as example!
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What a beautiful little bird!😊 It’s unbelievable that they only weigh 10 grams! Certainly they have pneumatic bones, but still, that’s not much.
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You’re right, John – amazing that a fully functioning body can fit into 10g!
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Lovely! 🙂
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Little jewels, Annica
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Yes indeed! 🙂
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A not-so-attractive name for a cute little bird. 🙂
janet
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Their Afrikaans name – Baardmannetjie – suits them much better I think. It means “little bearded man”. 😀
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I agree! … a MUCH better name!
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The head of this finch is unique. Very handsome bird!
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Pity they are so tiny that you have to get very close to appreciate their unique markings!
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Very pretty bird! I like the finches because (at least here) they are very loyal and stay around all winter.
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With such tiny bodies your harsh winters must be a real test of their survival skills!
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they are so beautiful.
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We agree entirely, thanks Gavin
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