Note, the photograph is of the similar Red-billed Firefinch.

The Red-billed Firefinch is 10 cm in length.

The Red-billed Firefinch is a small gregarious bird which feeds mainly on grain and other seeds.

The Red-billed Firefinch or Senegal Firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala) is a small passerine bird.

Helpful pointers with the Village Indigobird are the association with its host species, the Red-billed Firefinch, and its presence near human habitation.

The song is given from a high perch, and consists of rapid sputtering and churring intermingled with mimicry of Red-billed Firefinch's song, especially the characteristic chick-pea-pea-pea.

Each species parasitises a different species of waxbill: the village indigo bird parasitises the red-billed firefinch; the paradise whydah preys on the melba finch; and the straw-tailed whydah uses the purple grenadier.

The Red-billed Firefinch or Senegal Firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala) is a small passerine bird.

The Red-billed Firefinch or Senegal Firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala) is a small passerine bird.