The Blue Waxbill (or Blue-breasted Cordon-bleu) Uraeginthus angolensis is a small seed-eating bird which frequents thorny scrub and forest edges and is often found near human habitation. Their untidy grass nests are usually situated deep within a thorny bush, often situated in close proximity to wasps, possibly as an added means of protection. Females are similar in appearance to males but are duller in colouration.
Being a common and familiar species, it is perhaps unsurprising that this bird at least features in the folklore of the Ndebele, who believe that should one of these birds land on an individual’s head, this would most certainly serve as a warning from the spirits of impending personal disaster.
Local names for the Blue Waxbill in Zimbabwe:
Kasisi – Shona (all dialects)
uNtinti, uGcigciyane – Ndebele
Xidzingirhi – Shangaan
Information for this section was obtained only from contributors.
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