Family ESTRILDIDAE (Waxbills and Allies) - The Violet-eared Waxbill (U. granatina) and the Purple Grenadier (U. ianthinogaster). They are both members of the genus: Uraeginthus consisting of the Cordon-bleus & Grenadiers.

The Blue and Purple Waxbills  by Ian Hinze - Excellent article!!

Violet-eared waxbill (Uraeginthus granatina) by The Dutch African-Waxbill Organisation. The Dutch African-Waxbill Organisation site is a waxbill finchlover's dream. This particular page, devoted to the Violet-eared Waxbill, has excellent photographs and assists the visitor in gaining perspective on the Violet-eared waxbill's origins and relationship to other waxbills.

Background Information including geographic origins and description (scroll down).

Elaine Miller Aviary's General Care & Supplies Article emphasizes the violet ears' need for mealworms and insects.

Waxbill Finches of Africa by Ray Moor

Violet-eared Waxbill photos - pic 2 and 3

Uraeginthus granatina: "Violet-eared Waxbill"