Blue-capped Cordon Bleu

Uraeginthus cyanocephalus

"Fair Choice" Pet Fair Choice

The Blue-capped Cordon Bleu is a small finch native to East Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Tanzania). They are found in dry grasslands, shrubby terrain, and deserts. They are omnivorous and feed mostly on seeds and small insects.

Blue-capped Cordon Bleus, (also called waxbills) are popular pets, but they are difficult to breed in captivity; thus the capture and trade (legal and illegal) of wild-caught birds is a significant concern.

Did You Know?

Blue-capped Cordon Bleus are also called waxbills.

Source Sustainability Fair Choice

Does the harvest for wildlife trade or captive breeding of this species harm wild populations?

Some Cause for Concern

There is no evidence that wild populations of Blue-capped Cordon Bleus are at risk in their native range in East Africa. Wild individuals are, however, captured in large numbers for the pet trade. In 2005, wild-caught Blue-capped Cordon Bleus comprised almost half of the birds legally imported into the United States. If the harvest of wild birds continues, the future health of wild Blue-capped Cordon Bleu populations is uncertain. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Blue-capped Cordon Bleus are very difficult to breed in captivity. Thus, imported birds might be more likely to be wild-caught than captive bred, and may be imported illegally.

PetWatch Recommendation:

We strongly advise the purchase of captive-bred Blue-capped Cordon Bleus from a reputable breeder who can provide proof of origin. We encourage people to choose Blue-capped Cordon Bleus with documentation verifying the bird was bred in the United States to safeguard against unwittingly purchasing a wild-caught individual.

Invasion Threat Unable to Rank Choice

Does the release or escape of this species into the wild harm the environment and/or economy?

Unable to Rank

PetWatch found no information on invasive populations of Blue-capped Cordon Bleus.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Make sure that your pet Blue-capped Cordon Bleu is always kept inside an enclosure and does not have the opportunity to escape. Never release a pet into the wild.

Animal Welfare Fair Choice

Does harvest, captive breeding, transport, or being kept as a pet harm individual animals?

Some Cause for Concern

There is no direct evidence that Blue-capped Cordon Bleus are harmed by capture or transport for the pet trade. However, there may well be cases of mistreatment or disregard for animal welfare, especially in the illegal and non-regulated trafficking of birds from East Africa.

PetWatch Recommendation:

When purchasing a pet Blue-capped Cordon Bleu, ask for proof that the animal was bred in captivity by a professional with a permit to sell the animal. Given the lack of oversight, animals in the illegal wildlife trade may be mistreated.

Health Threat Best Choice

Does this animal pose a health risk to native wildlife, humans, livestock and agriculture?

Little Cause for Concern

No information was found to indicate that Blue-capped Cordon Bleus carry infectious diseases that pose a threat to humans and/or wild or domesticated species.

PetWatch Recommendation:

When purchasing a pet Blue-capped Cordon Bleu, ask for proof of a clean bill of health. Ask the seller if the animal has been checked by a certified veterinarian and for a list of any medical treatments the animal has received.

EcoHealth Alliance works at the intersection of ecosystem, animal and human health through local conservation programs and develops global health solutions to emerging diseases.
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