The Cinderella waxbill (Glaucestrilda thomensis) is a near-threatened species of estrildid finch found in drier regions of south-western Angola around the Namibe Province, north and east to the south-west of the Huíla Province and north to Fazenda do Cuito in Huambo - also in the extreme north-western part of Namibia. It has an estimated global distribution of 95,700 km2 (36,900 sq mi).

Cinderella waxbill
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Estrildidae
Genus: Glaucestrilda
Species:
G. thomensis
Binomial name
Glaucestrilda thomensis
(Sousa, 1888)
Synonyms

Estrilda thomensis

Habitat

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The Cinderella waxbill is found in subtropical and tropical (lowland), dry shrubland, savannah and forest habitats at altitudes of 200 to 500 m (660 to 1,640 ft). It is observed that the recent development of a hydroelectric plant on the Cunene River at Epupa Falls has caused changes to insect biodiversity which were relied on by the Cinderella waxbill during feeding of its young - thus threatening its food source to be depleted.

The waxbill also eats grass seeds, nectar and insects. The Cinderella is diurnal.

References

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  1. ^ BirdLife International (2016). "Estrilda thomensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22719528A94631643. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22719528A94631643.en. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
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