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

In captivity, these birds will usually breed in the spring and will use nest boxes or build their own nests with coconut fibre, dry grasses and white feathers. The chicks have black skin when they hatch after around 13 days’ incubation and will need plenty of live food in order to be healthy.