Common Waxbill
Estrilda astrild
In mixed scrub/savanna habitat near Machakos, Kenya. May 2017.
Small colorful birds often are seen in grassy patches going to seed. With overgrazing a region-wide practice rangeland grasses may get eaten before they ever have a chance to flower. The waxbills may then turn to cultivated grasses and the grains they produce.
Estrildidae -- Waxbill Family
Books:
- Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania by Zimmerman et al.
- Birds of East Africa by Stevenson and Fanshawe