The Violet-eared waxbill or common grenadier (Granatina granatina) is a common species of estrildid finch found in drier lands of Southern Africa. Their natural habitat is in lightly treed areas that include acacia and thorn bush. Violet-eared waxbills for sale should be considered by advanced avian enthusiasts and are best housed in a planted aviary.

Geography: Southern Africa in subtropical / tropical (lowland) dry shrub land and savanna habitats in Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Size / Weight: 14 cm (5.5 in) / 13.9 gm

Song / call:  Click to hear the Violet-eared Waxbill’s song.

Life Span:  6-7 years

Disposition: Violet-eared waxbills are territorial so only one pair per planted aviary is best.

Sexing:  Easily sexed visually

DNA Testing

If there is no gender option listed for a bird on our website, that particular species is ‘monomorphic’, which means we’re unable to determine gender without purchasing DNA testing. DNA testing is an additional $149 per bird to guarantee preferred gender. DNA testing may add an additional 3-6 plus weeks to estimated delivery time to allow for gender results. See our FAQs for more info.

Breeding: In courtship, Violet-eared waxbill males holds grass or feathers in their bill and, with feathers erect face and flanks, bows and bobs to the female. They are territorial so should only be kept as a single pair per aviary. Nests are constructed with dry grass stems, lined with feathers into a loosely constructed ball with a side entrance. Violet-eared waxbills place their nests low down to 3 m above ground in thorn bushes. Both sexes bring feathers to nest during egg and chick stages. Clutch 2–5 eggs; incubation period 14 days. 

Diet:  Live Insects (mealworms, aphids, small crickets, termites), Goldfinch Seed, Australian Blend Goldenfeast, Mineral Grit, Cuttlefish Bone, Herb Salad, fruits of small trees, nectar of aloe