Red Avadavat

Latin Name: 
Amandava amandava
Category: 
Size: 
10cm
Description: 

Breeding male: crimson and brown, spotted white on wings and flanks; white-tipped tail. Female: brown above, spotted on wings; crimson rump; dull white throat; buffy-grey breast, yellow brown below. Non-breeding male: like female, but greyer throat; upper breast distinctive. Small flocks, often with other weavers; partial to tall grass and scrub, preferably around well-watered areas; active and vibrant birds and rather confiding; huge numbers captured for bird markets.

Habitat: 
tall grass, reeds, sugar cane, scrub, gardens.
Food: 
grass seeds; also insects when breeding.
Distribution: 
subcontinent, south of Himalayan foothills.
Call: 
Call Description: 
shrill and high-pitched notes, also uttered in flight
National Status: