Other common names
"CB"
Red-cheeked: Red-cheeked Blue Waxbill
Blue-breasted: Blue Waxbill, Blue-breasted Waxbill, Angola(n) Cordon Bleu
Blue-capped: Blue-headed Waxbill, Blue-headed Cordon Bleu, Blue-capped Waxbill
Origin:
Africa
Description:
The Blue-Capped Cordon Bleu are very striking African birds. The male's head, body and tail are deep sky blue in color with the wings, underbelly and back being fawn/beige. Females lack the sky blue coloring covering the whole head instead, the top of the hen's head is the same color as the wings.
Size:4 ¾” – 5½” depending on species
Diet:Their diet consists of a standard finch seed mix, greens, egg food, insects, oyster shell and fresh water.
Sexing:The males and females are easy to sex as the males have a much deeper blue coloring. In the red cheeked variety, the hen is missing the red cheeks.
Breeding:
In the usual courtship display you will see the male carry a blade of grass or nesting material in his mouth and begin to dance on the perch. He will bounce from perch to perch if possible with the hen following him and responding by singing. Cordon Bleus lay around 4-6 eggs which are incubabted for about 12-14 days. While they can't be considered easy to breed they will breed in captivity providing they are supplied with large planted flights with nests and care is taken with their diet. My Blue-Capped Coron Bleus prefer to nest in round grass huts with a small hole in the upper center. I must say while my pairs have laid eggs and incubated well they seem to stop feeding or toss the babies for no apparant reason.
Song:
Both sexes sing, but the male's song is longer and more complex. Songs may vary between individuals and are often accompanied by a courtship display.
Housing:
These birds do best in a large planted aviary with mixed species. If you are wanting them to breed you can try seperating them by pairs into large flights
Before you buy any pet
- Ask for the vaccination card and match the dates against the animal's stated age.
- Ask to see both parents if the seller is a breeder. A refusal is an answer.
- Video call before you travel. Ask the seller to walk around the animal on camera.
- Never pay a deposit to hold an animal you have not seen in person.
