A very easy species to sex visually. Cocks have more pinkish-red on the chest.

Usually the cock's eye - stripe and bill is brighter red as well (cock left)

There is a lot of variation across the many subspecies so the most accurate way to identify the sex is by comparing the extension of black in the ventral region. Cocks are jet-black and extend onto the lower belly.

The two subspecies encountered within our borders are the e a astrild and the e a tenibridosa. The e a minor has been imported in recent years and should be treated as an exotic

Not so much difference in the red colouration when comparing the sexes of this subspecies (e a minor)

Again the black in the ventral region is the most reliable way to sex them.

When comparing cocks minor is much smaller, brighter and show white around the throat area.

When comparing hens we find that the minor hen is also smaller, brighter and show white around the throat area as well.

The Common Waxbill is known as the St Helena Waxbill oversea's. When minor became available it was marketed as the St Helena Waxbill. Although this points to the bird being a different species (which it is not) it is a good thing as it will hopefully assist in breeders keeping the birds pure.