How difficult is it to keep Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the lifespan of Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu?

The average lifespan of Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu is 5-7 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu get?

Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu typically reaches 12.5-13cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What is the typical price for Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu?

The price of Red-cheeked 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.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu

Q: What should I feed Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu?

Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu feeds on: Mixed seed, spray millet, greens, mealworms and small livefood when breeding. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

Intermediate

Uraeginthus bengalus

A small estrildid washed sky-blue from face through breast and rump to the long thin tail. The male has a bright red cheek patch that the female lacks. One of the most popular African finches.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

15〜30℃

Lifespan

5-7 years

Size

12.5-13cm

Humidity

40〜60%

Diet

Mixed seed, spray millet, greens, mealworms and small livefood when breeding

About

The red-cheeked cordon-bleu (Uraeginthus bengalus) is a small estrildid finch of drier tropical sub-Saharan Africa. It is 12.5-13 cm long and averages 9.9 g, with wild extremes of 8.9-11 g. The male is continuously sky-blue from face through breast, flanks and rump to the tip of the long thin pointed tail, with light brown wings and lower belly. A bright red cheek patch distinguishes him easily from the female, which lacks it. Four subspecies are recognised, differing chiefly in how much blue the female shows on face and underparts. The specific name bengalus reflects an early mistaken belief that the species came from Bengal. It forms a species group with the blue-capped cordon-bleu and the blue waxbill. In aviculture it is the most widely kept African estrildid, but imported birds cope poorly with the stress of transport and males in particular are easily lost.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu

The Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu lives 5-7 years.

Size of the Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu

The Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu grows to 12.5-13cm.

Basic Info

Origin

Drier regions of tropical sub-Saharan Africa (southern Mauritania to Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia)

Lifespan

5-7 years

Size

12.5-13cm

Temperature

Care Specifications

PeacefulPair

Sources: Wikipedia - Red-cheeked cordon-bleu (size, weight, subspecies, range) / Wikipedia (German) - Schmetterlingsfink (aviculture history, fragility of imported birds)

References & Sources

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.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Uraeginthus bengalus (Linnaeus, 1766)

Synonyms: Fringilla bengalus

Authority databases: GBIF

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Uraeginthus bengalus. 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.