MY MAGAZINE
READ ALL ARTICLES HERE
MY TRAVEL PLANACCOMMODATIONtrips & activitiesevents

Bird of the month: Red-winged Pytilia

My Magazine 2022/08
1 min
These small birds can grow up to 13 cm tall and belong to the family of estrildids, quite an extensive family of birds, similar in their physical appearance, which the colour of the feathers can primarily distinguish. Specifically, the genus of pytilias is known for its red rumps and tails. Red-winged pytilia or Pytilia phoenicoptera can be differentiated by their red feathers on the wings.

There are at least 11 species of estrildids present in The Gambia; most of them, like Red-winged pytilia, are residents. They all have short, conical bills, and they feed on seeds, some of them also on insects. They are generally not migratory birds, but some species tend to do local movements in dry areas.

Red-winged pytilias can be found in trees and bushes all over the country, but their feeding takes place on the ground. They are easier to spot in the wet season, singly, in pairs or smaller groups, even mixed-species flocks in the open wooded savanna, scrubs and grassland or bushier and grassy edges of farmland.

Their whole body is grey, apart from red parts and underbelly, which is grey and white. Female and juveniles are browner on otherwise grey parts and duller. Their grey-black bill is more slender compared to other species in the family.

Photo Credits: Mark Goddard

Did you enjoy this article? Share it with friends >>>

Drink of the month: Kaba juice
Trip of the month: Bakau
Subscribe To Our Magazine
No spam, notifications only about new issues.
Subscription Form za Mailerlite - landing
Subscribe To Our Magazine
No spam, notifications only about new issues.
Subscription Form za Mailerlite - landing

Other articles

No limitations
...
Green Guide of Open Restaurants
In August's issue, we again focused on green season options for visitors of The Gambia.... because The Gambia is an all-year-round destination and not...
Healthy snacks can be delivered to you from Manna
Are you living and working in The Gambia? Looking for healthy meals that can also be delivered to your home or office? ...
Bintang Bolong River Cruise
Bintang Bolong Lodge is a famous lodge in the village of Foni, Bintang. The lodge is built along the river Gambia where you can enjoy the peace and se...
JOBS
© MyGambia 2024
Developed by Marklab

My Gambia Team

Typically replies within 30 minutes

We will be back soon.

Hey there 👋
We are here to help. What can I do for you?
Start Chat with us
chat