cool-critters:

Red-cheeked cordon-bleu (Uraeginthus bengalus)

The red-cheeked cordon-bleu is a small passerine bird. This estrildid finch is a resident breeding bird in drier regions of tropical Sub-Saharan Africa. Like other members of its genus, the red-cheeked cordon-bleu is a very
small finch, measuring only 12.5–13 cm in length.It is frequently seen at open dry grassland and savanna habitats as well as around human habitation. The red-cheeked cordon-bleu is a granivore, feeding principally on grass seeds, but also on millet and other small seeds. It is also known to feed sporadically on beeswax.The nest is a large domed grass structure with a side entrance in a tree, bush or thatch into which 4–5 white eggs are laid.

photo credits: Sharp Photography