Cut-throat finch

The cut-throat finch, also known as the bearded finch, ribbon finch, or weaver finch, is a striking small bird commonly found across Africa. It features pale, sandy brown plumage with black specks, a black-brown tail, and white patches on its chin and cheeks. Additionally, there is a chestnut brown patch on its belly. Adult males are particularly distinctive due to their vibrant red bands across their throats, while juveniles sport a slightly duller red band.

These finches have a wide distribution, inhabiting an area covering 3,300,000 square kilometers across Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in the Sahel, as well as the eastern and southern regions.

In terms of reproduction, cut-throat finches often appropriate nests constructed by other birds. They lay clutches of 3 to 6 white eggs, which hatch after approximately 12 days of incubation.

Interestingly, research led by Antonio Arnaiz-Villena and his team suggests that these birds might have originated in India before migrating to Africa and the Pacific Ocean regions. Their closest relative is believed to be the red-headed finch.