
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Granatina granatina
A southern African estrildid combining chestnut plumage with violet ear patches, a blue forehead and a red bill. One of the larger estrildids, it needs warmth and long daylight and suits experienced keepers.
The violet-eared waxbill (Granatina granatina) is an estrildid finch of dry shrubland and savanna in southern Africa. At 13-14 cm it is one of the larger estrildids, and it is treated as monotypic with no subspecies recognised. Linnaeus described it in 1766 as Fringilla granatina but mistakenly gave the locality as Brazil; this was later corrected to Angola and then restricted to Huila Province. The genus Granatina was erected by Sharpe in 1890 and is followed by the IOC World Bird List. It has a long history in aviculture: the first European keeper is said to have been Madame de Pompadour, who was given a male in 1754. The species loves sun and warmth, requiring a large indoor or garden aviary with a shelter kept above 25 degrees Celsius, and twelve to fourteen hours of light a day even in winter. Only a small number of specialists breed it successfully.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Violet-eared Waxbill lives 7-10 years.
The Violet-eared Waxbill grows to 13-14cm.
Origin
Dry shrubland and savanna of southern Africa (Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe)
Lifespan
7-10 years
Size
13-14cm
Humidity
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: Granatina granatina (Linnaeus, 1766)
Synonyms: Fringilla granatina, Uraeginthus granatinus
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Granatina granatina. 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.
Find listings for this species
40〜60%
Mixed seed, spray millet, greens, small livefood
It needs a large indoor or garden aviary with a shelter kept above 25 degrees Celsius, plus twelve to fourteen hours of light a day in winter.
Nervous and sensitive to change, it is best kept as a pair in a quiet spot rather than in a crowded mixed aviary.
The song is thin and quiet, so the voice is never a problem.
Its demands are high and few keepers breed it successfully, so set up heating and lighting before acquiring one.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The average lifespan of Violet-eared Waxbill is 7-10 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Violet-eared Waxbill typically reaches 13-14cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Violet-eared Waxbill feeds on: Mixed seed, spray millet, greens, small livefood. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Violet-eared Waxbill 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