Characterization: Small species measuring about 10.7cm in length. This bird has a red beak and mask and a relatively long and wide tail. The young have black beaks. 

Distribution: Originally from Africa, the common waxbill was brought to Brazil on slave ships to serve as pet birds during the reign of D. Pedro I. They escaped from cages initially in Rio de Janeiro, spread over several Brazilian regions, and can now also be found in the States of Espírito Santo, Bahia, Pernambuco (Recife), Pará (Belém), Amazonas (Manaus), Mato Grosso, in the Federal District, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Paraná (Londrina), Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.

Habitat: Fields and vacant lots in cities.

Habits: A diurnal species, it associates in flocks of a half dozen or more birds, which increase and decrease periodically. It does not seem to migrate for winter, but movements are made because they leave the hatchlings alone after breeding and at the end of the local grassland fructification period. It has no conflict with Brazilian birds.

Diet: Herbivorous, this bird feeds on African grasses introduced in the Brazil for cattle pastures.

Breeding: It lays three eggs in a nest built in closed bushes in a spherical or oval shape, with thick walls made of grass, chicken feathers and cotton which can be entered through a narrow tube.

In the UFRA area: In studies conducted at the areas of the São Francisco Sugarmill, this species of bird was found only in wetlands with herbaceous plants and in the restored native forests. Restricted spatial distribution. It is considered little frequent, as it was spotted only 5 times.