
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Uraeginthus cyanocephalus
A cordon-bleu of arid East Africa. The male's blue extends over the crown, while the female's crown is light brown. It keeps reasonably well but is regarded as difficult to breed.
The blue-capped cordon-bleu (Uraeginthus cyanocephalus) is an estrildid finch of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Tanzania, living in dry grassland, shrubland and desert. At about 14 cm it is one of the larger estrildids. The male's vivid blue extends over the crown and he is more strongly coloured overall; on the female the light brown of the wings continues over the nape and crown, so the head colour separates the sexes. It is omnivorous, taking small insects as well as seed, and is quiet compared with other finches. Pairs perform a courtship dance holding a thin twig in the bill, and high-speed film shows partners tapping their feet twenty-five to fifty times a second. The first import to Europe was to England in 1927 and the first captive breeding was achieved in France in 1930. It keeps well enough given adequate conditions, but breeding is said to be quite difficult.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Blue-capped Cordon-bleu lives 4-6 years.
The Blue-capped Cordon-bleu grows to About 14cm.
Origin
Arid grassland, shrubland and desert of East Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Tanzania)
Lifespan
4-6 years
Size
About 14cm
Temperature
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Uraeginthus cyanocephalus (Richmond, 1897)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Uraeginthus cyanocephalus. The family Estrildidae is not listed in the CITES Appendices, so this species is not covered. The IUCN assesses it as Least Concern.
Sources: CITES Appendices (Estrildidae not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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15〜30℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Mixed seed, spray millet, greens, small insects
It is active with a long tail, so it needs a deep cage or an aviary, with planting to give it a place to settle.
Quiet and calm compared with other finches, though males of the same genus clash in the breeding season.
The voice is quiet, the song a short thin phrase, and noise is almost never an issue.
A bird of arid country, it dislikes cold and damp. Since breeding is difficult, concentrate first on settling a single pair in good condition.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The average lifespan of Blue-capped Cordon-bleu is 4-6 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Blue-capped Cordon-bleu typically reaches About 14cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Blue-capped Cordon-bleu feeds on: Mixed seed, spray millet, greens, small insects. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Blue-capped Cordon-bleu varies significantly depending on variety, age, sex, and the individual animal's condition. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026