A common cityfinch species in woodlands and open forest throughout Southern Africa, the pincerbeak (Civilispiza ceratias) lives in colonies of 20-60 birds. The colonial structure is built in the branches of a tree or shrub and consists of a series of interconnected open cup/bowl shaped mud structures covered in "roofs" of thatching.

    The sharp extensions on the warbirds' beak are formidable weapons. However, they are also used as "tongs" when moving eggs.