The violet-eared waxbill or common grenadier (Granatina granatina) is a common species of estrildid finch found in drier land of Southern Africa.

These birds are around 5 ½ inches in length with the male having a chestnut brown body. Thy have a cobalt blue band across the forehead and deep violet cheek patches with a black throat and blue-purple rump. The female has a narrower and paler band on the forehead and the cheek patches are lighter in shade while the throat is light brown. The beak is bright red and there is a bright red ring around the eye.