Crimsonwing

The crimsonwings (Cryptospiza) are a genus of small passerine birds belonging to the estrildid finch family (Estrildidae). There are four species. They are found in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly the Albertine Rift; all four species occur there and two, Shelley's and dusky crimsonwings, are found nowhere else. They are secretive birds which mainly inhabit mountain forests with dense undergrowth. They usually forage on or near the ground, feeding mainly on seeds such as those of grasses and balsam.

Crimsonwings
A male Abyssinian crimsonwing (Cryptospiza salvadorii)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Estrildidae
Genus:	Cryptospiza Salvadori, 1884
Type species
Pytelia reichenovii Hartlaub, 1874
Species
C. reichenovii C. salvadorii C. jacksoni C. shelleyi

They are 11–13 cm long with short wings and a short, rounded tail. The bill is thick and conical and either black or red. They all have a reddish back and rump and olive or grey underparts. Juvenile birds are duller than the adults.

Destruction and degradation of their forest habitat is a potential threat to the crimsonwings and Shelley's crimsonwing is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN.

Species list

Image	Common Name	Scientific name	Distribution
	Red-faced crimsonwing	Cryptospiza reichenovii	Bioko and the Western High Plateau, the Albertine Rift montane forests and east Africa.
	Abyssinian crimsonwing	Cryptospiza salvadorii	highlands of East Africa
	Dusky crimsonwing	Cryptospiza jacksoni	Albertine Rift montane forests
	Shelley's crimsonwing	Cryptospiza shelleyi	Albertine Rift montane forests

References

• Clement, Peter; Harris, Alan & Davies, John (1993) Finches and Sparrows: An Identification Guide, Christopher Helm, London.
• Sinclair, Ian & Ryan, Peter (2003) Birds of Africa south of the Sahara, Struik, Cape Town.