Red-cheeked Cordonbleu
Uraeginthus bengalus

First reported on 2 January 2005 at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe where 2 birds were present. This species has never been recorded in the Southern African subregion, but occurs naturally just a little way north in Zambia. However, Victoria Falls town is known for its escapees and one can't really be sure if these are genuine vagrants or not.

Photographed by Ian Sinclair.