The Red-billed firefinch is an estrildid finch, widely spread and common in Africa. It usually thrives on open grasslands with many seed-bearing plants, but also occurs close to human settlements. The population of Africa is divided into six sub-species; this bird in Langano probably belongs to the most common in central Ethiopia: Lagonosticta senegala brunniceps. The wide spread means that the species is referred to as 'Not globally threatened.' The bird in the picture is a female - and thus clearly different in appearance from the male (on the next picture). The female is greenish brown with a light eye ring, pearl-like spots on the breast, red patces in front of the eyes and a reddish bill. The Red-billed firefinch builds its large nest of dry grass with an entrance from the side.