Cut-throat finch

Description:

Both sexes and juveniles are of sandy brown color with black specks, specks giving the impression of scales. Male is easily recognized by that bright-red beard, the one that is the origin of its name (photos 1, 2 and 5).

Habitat:

Found throughout Africa, I always saw it in flocks. Pictured here is a part of a flock (mixed with sparrows, bunting and sparrow larks) observed during several hours at outskirts of town called Biltine, Wadi Fira region. Semi arid Sahel region, but fresh climate (when I was there - in April), mainly bare land, with some acacia trees.