Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu Uraeginthus bengalus

The Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu is a finch native to western, central and eastern sub-Saharan Africa. (The binomial name of bengalus was due to an error of Bengal instead of Senegal.)

Males have a red patch on each cheek and slightly more extensive pale blue plumage.

Females do not have the red cheek patches and have more brown underside plumage.

There are 4 regional subspecies. They are also related to the similar-looking Blue-capped Cordon-bleu and Blue Waxbill finches of Africa.