The Orange Cheeked Waxbill (Estrilda melpoda) are active little birds with a distinctive and bright orange cheek patch on both the males and the females. Visually sexing isn't really possible, though some say that most males tend to have a slighting larger and lighter area of grey on the neck than the females do. Males also sing where as females don't.

They are very flighty and do well in a large flight or aviary. These are not cage birds, they require space and places to hide and feel safe. They use fine grasses, twine, paper and feathers for nesting material. Diet is any good seed mix, millet, live food, and lots of fresh greens or sprouts.

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