Waxbill is any one of a group of small, colorful, seed-eating birds found in Africa, Asia and Australia. Some species live in tropical rain forests, and others live in open grasslands, thorn scrub, or reedbeds. Outside the breeding season, most waxbills are social birds, often living in large flocks. Waxbills build nests with tubular entrances projecting from the main chamber. The female lays from four to eight eggs, which both sexes incubate. Waxbills, which adapt well to life in captivity, are popular as cage birds. Two species much in demand are the white-backed munia and the zebra finch.
