Red-cheeked cordon-bleu

This small passerine bird from finch family (Estrildidae), does not exceed 12 cm in length. It has brown-grey mantle, with light blue on face, breast and abdomen. The adult male have bright red patches on cheeks (pic No1), making it easily recognizable. Females are a bit duller in color, and lack the red spots on cheeks (pics No 2 and 3), while juveniles also lack the spot and the blue on chest can be more restricted (photos 4 and 5).