As members of the Passerine family of birds, the finch species can be found in different parts of the world. While some of them are true finches and belong to the Fringillidae family, other similar bird families are widely called "finches". You may be surprised by the fact that some of the most popular finches are not in fact true finches. For example, the Gouldian and Zebra Finches are actually waxbills, members of the Estrildidae family. The same goes for the Society Finches which are completely domesticated bird type. In order to avoid confusion regarding the exact scientific order, we use their traditional names instead of the precise biological terms.
Zebra and Society Finches are widely considered as some of the easiest birds for keeping and breeding. Even beginners have no serious problems when it comes to making them happy and healthy. Of course, there are many other species that live comfortably in captivity although some of them have more specific demands and needs.
Let me introduce several of these species. Don't blame it on me if in the end you fell in love with them.
Blue-capped Cordon-bleu, also known as Cordon Bleu Finches, inhabit the eastern parts of Africa. These are relatively small birds that do very well in captivity when their needs are satisfied. Male's body is predominantly sky blue. Its underneath is fawn-colored as well as the wings and the back. The top of the hen's head has the same color as the wings. It is best for them to be housed in large aviaries as they are eager for interaction with other types of finches. When the breeding season starts, however, males can became aggressive to each other in the presence of a female. In that case, single pairs should be placed in cages. Both sexes are excellent dancers and produce wonderful melodious songs.
Goldfinches inhabit the European and Asian open fields and occasionally the lowland forests. Males and females look alike. The Goldfinch's head is red colored, the head is black and white while the upper parts are brightly brown. The wings are black and golden yellow, hence the name of the bird. They eat seeds, grasses and living food. Goldfinches have skillful acrobatic abilities and they like hanging upside down and twirling from one perch to another.
Owl Finches come from Australia which means that their natural habitats are the savannahs and the open fields. From a distance the murky ring of plumage around the face which is so typical for this finch type, makes it look like a little cute owl. Also known as Double-barred Finches, these birds have an adorable combination of brown, fawn and white color. Their wings are particularly beautiful with white and brown patterns. Owl Finches are decent dwellers in mixed aviaries, the aggressive behavior being highly unlikely.
The population of the Star Finches dramatically declined in their native Australia due to the cruel destruction of their habitat. These finches have cute and bright red faces and beaks. Their bodies are predominantly colored with beautiful olive green tones. Star Finches have very peaceful nature and they fit perfectly in aviaries with other unaggressive little birds.
African Silverbills are very hardy birds as they live in the Sahara Desert's dry areas. Seeds are the main meal on their menu. With their 10 cm in length, they are pretty small birds. Their silver-gray beaks are noticeable at first sight. The body is mostly brown-nuanced while the tail is black. Only the males are able to produce soft and silent song. The African Silverbill Finches don't have easily noticeable sex differences so the best way to determine the bird's sex is to observe if it sings or not.
There are hundreds and hundreds of finch species each of them having different colors, habits and behaviors. They are all cute and interesting.
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