Estrildid Finches in Aviculture... The Purple Grenadier ianthinogaster

by Stash and Carol Anne Buckley Magnolia, New Jersey

f the three types of Uraeginthus, doubt, Purple Grenadiers are more dif­ In the Jan/Feh 1996 Watchhird, Othe Purple Grenadier is the sec- ficult to propagate than Cordonbleus, Nancy Bent's excellent article on fledg­ ond which we will be discussing in this but not quite as difficult as Violet-ears ing cages (page 20) is illustrated with column. The first type which we cov- Uraeginthus , the remaining two photos. Bent was erroneously ered was the Red-cheeked Cordonbleu member of this group. Grenadiers are credited as the photograper. The pho­ Uraeginthus bengalus, AFA Watchbird, the most intelligent of the genus and tos were actually taken by Mike Greer, Vol. XXII, No.4 - July/August 1995, indeed one ofthe most intelligent ofall the official zoo photographer, who which was an example of the estrildids. For this reason, they are spent hours waiting for just the right Cordonbleu waxbill portion of this among our favorites. They become shots. Good shots, Mike, and apologies genus, the others of course being the very attuned to the keeper's feeding for the error. Blue-capped Uraeginthus cyanocepha- schedule, plastering themselves on the la and the Blue-breasted Uraeginthus side of their cage while you distribute angolensis Cordonbleus. Without a live food to other and letting you

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afa WATCRBIRD 39 An ideal set-upfor parent-rearing Purple Grenadiers. Notice the cock feeding three fledged juveniles. The nest Hen Purple Grenadier (left) preening was in the upper right-hand corner, hidden by a cock (right). Notice the eye rings. The philodendron leaf hen's is a pale bluish-white, while the cock's is a lovely purple. Thefeathers in this eye ring are the first to come in dUring the adult molt, making sexing ofyoung Grenadiers easy.

know in no uncertain terms with their staccato chatter that you need to serve them theirs now. Juveniles of this species are particularly endearing and will follow you around the birdroom (if allowed to fly free), perched on your shoulder with head cocked to one side, waiting for you to give them a treat. In our experience, nothing buys their loy­ alty like mealworms. However, once their adult molt sets in, they begin to lose their innocent trust in their keeper and Recentlyfledged juvenile Purple Grenadier. These birds are easily fos­ tered, prOVided Societies areproperly Our Customer Know•• conditioned and given an adequate Grubco SCientifically-raised live eggfood (See page 41 ofour Red­ foods are rich in nutrition. cheeked Cordon-bleu article in the Nutritional analysis is available. July-August 1995 issue ofWatchbird).

acquire true Grenadier behavior patterns. This is not a species for beginners. In fact, we can find no country in the world where this species is on its way Grubco Quality & to becoming established in aviculture. Along with the heartaches of keeping Order by FAX: • this species, we believe you will fmd true 24-hours daily .'. · EJVISA Over 40 Years experience! 513-874-5878 joy in its delights. This is a large-bodied bird and best 800-222-3563 housed in a good-Sized flight. We rec­ /11 ommend a minimum of4 ft. long x 2 ft. I!I • Call toll-free to place II. your order and to receive KNOWN FOR QUALITY AND SERVICE. wide x 3 ft. high. Being an African dry ~ your free brochure. Box 15001 Hamilton, OH 45015 U.S.A. grassland species, you would expect that http://www.herp.com:80/grubcol this bird would do better in a dry envi-

40 MarchiApril 1996 ronment, but our best breeding results how large), will act as a catalyst to tinually start at point zero. In fact, were obtained in our indoor tropical bird­ trigger an aggressive reaction in any when we first started working with room. These birds did not suffer the afflic­ Grenadier cage within earshot where a this species we thought we could keep tions of eye problems and respiratory bonded, nest-building cock will try to our first two pairs in separate cages next distress which so often occurs with get to the offender to drive him off. In to each other with a bath towel hung dry grassland species kept in such an frustration, he will take out his aggres­ between them so they couldn't see environment, but actually bred very sion on his hen. This can and often does each other. This was not good enough. well and stayed in good health. Indeed, lead to her death. For this reason, The cocks soon discovered, or made a the constant high humidity appears to Grenadiers are best housed onepairper small hole in the towel which they be a great stimulus in encouraging room. This may sound a bit extreme, but enlarged so they could see each other these birds to breed. A four-foot shop we feel it is necessary if one is going to and then tried to attack each other light fixture with two vita-lite tubes fits generation breed these birds and not con- through the hardware cloth of their quite conveniently on top of this size flight, and this is the kind oflighting we recommend. If you wish to place live plants in this flight, we would suggest a split-leaf philodendron (there are The World's Most many varieties). This is essentially a vine, Renown Supplement and should be trained along the back and sides of the flight to create a dra­ for Breeding, matic effect, but positioned so as not to CeDe Conditioning and restrict flight space. Although philo­ dendrons are reportedly poisonous to BIRD FOODS Special Treat birds, our birds have eaten the edges of CeDe is sold in 40 countries through 25 moin distributors scottered over five continents, 0 fact which speaks for itself. mature leaves and have destroyed CeDe nestling foods are made with egg crumbs, whole grain crumbs, honeys, amino acids, vitomins and minerals, all growth spikes, with no ill effects. Grassy laboratory bolanced, which makes the mixes indispensable for daily feeding, breeding pairs, during moulting time and tussocks can be strategically placed in as treat or snack. CeDe comes in five different formulas, depending on the type of birds you will be feeding. corners, but in our experience these loca­ WHY USE CeDe FOODS? tions were rejected in favor ofgreener protein (eggs) has a high biological value (VERY IMPORTANT WHEN BREEDING BIRDS) as well as carbohydrates sites. Large wicker baskets should be and lipids. Astock of amino acids and phosphorus is a prime importance even more than colcium and fat. It must be well placed under the philodendron leaves balanced with vitamins and, never to be forgotten, precious minerals, which will give excellent results in breeding, grow­ high in the flight so that the leaves ing, plumage, in other words a beautiful finished specimen.lsn', it a good reasan fo use only the best? ..CeDe proVide a measure ofsecurity in the form (eDe Parkieten ofcover. These birds are not particularly ceDe Eggfaod for Budgiel and Hookbilll acrobatic, so remember to place an IJr lUnariel ond finchel 1kilo box (2.2Ibl.1 12 per cole and general ule access perch a few inches away and 1 Kg. box 55.30 + Ihipping 1 kil~ ~vx (2.2Ibl.l12 per cOle down from the nest opening. Ifyou can't ) Kg. box 55.30 +Ihipping wait for your philodendrons to grow, weeping figs ficus benjamina are a good alternative, since stems and branch­ (eDe Eggfoad Red es can be easily trained to suit your Color enhoncer for more colorful Canariel (eDe Mix for Parrotl nesting requirements. If you're not par­ and olher birdlluch alGouldl. 500 graml (1.1 Ibl.l 1kilo box (2.2Ibl.1 12 per cole 10 per cale ticularly good with live plants, silk 500 gr. 54.80 + Ihipping foliage is a good alternative and will work 1Kg. box S6.25 +Ihipping equally well. This species is far more aggressive than the Red-cheeked Cordonbleu, so ceDe Universal for Sohbilll (eDe Handfeeding for Baby birdl this behavioral trait must be taken into fruil/inlect ealerl. (Moybe uled for Lorikeell) 1kilo box (2.2Ibl.1 6per cale consideration first for successful breed­ 500 graml (1.1 Ibl.) 10 per cale 1 Kg. box 55.50 +Ihipping ing. This is defmitely a one pair per flight 500 gr. box S4.70 +Ihipping B.Blbl. aluminum bag species. If you keep more than one pair 51B.00 +Ihipping in the same room, as pairs come into breeding, cocks will constantly threat­ Visa· Master Card or AMEX orders are shipped within 24 hours en their neighbors and, in frustration will : ...... l:ill' kill their hens. In the wild, this is a soli­ A Division of The Higgins Group Corp. tary bird and cocks with breeding 8535 NW 56th Street· Miami, FL 33166 desires will not tolerate others in their Ph: (305) 593-2666 • Fax: (305) 591-9567 territory, chasing them away. So, too, with birds in captive situations, only with AFA Watchbird advertisers represent some ofthe bestin more disastrous results. A displaying the business. When you bUy from these fine sources, be cock, trying to seduce a hen in a con­ sure to tell themyou saw their ad in Watchbirdl fined space, such as a cage (no matter

afa WATCHBIRD 41 cages. Our friend, Levin Tilghman, handfeed and, indeed, many Society begin their molt around the head, so it who is beginning to work with this fmches fmd it difficult to accept this bird's becomes an easy matter to sex them. species, is finding their territoriality chicks. Ifyou wish to foster this species, Clutch-mates may be safely kept togeth­ overwhelming and is already planning we would advise using a young pair of er on their own until the breeding urge to separate his pairs to different rooms. Societies which has only raised one hits. Ifthese juveniles are fed on eggfood Fortunately, in a captive state and clutch oftheir own - to prove their nur­ as a protein source, they will be more maybe in the wild, Purple Grenadiers turing abilities - the second clutch inclined to raise their own chicks with­ will mate for life. It is interesting to note being the Purple Grenadier eggs. If out livefood, thereby beginning the that ifone arbitrarily puts a cock and hen they fail the first time, try them again domestication process. However, there together, within a month they will immediately upon recycling, for they will is very little chance of having their either be preening each other to strength­ be more likely to accept them the sec­ aggressive behavior being bred out, en pair bonds or ignoring each other, ond time around. We would advise so still be careful to observe proper with perhaps a small dash ofaggression, that you start with good Society stock. guidelines when introducing domestics particularly around the livefood dish. It Try to obtain some of the dark choco­ for breeding. appears these birds are far more selec­ late "selfs" recently imported from There is a theory that temperature may tive about their mates than the average Europe, bred expressly for their fostering affect the sexes of the developing estrildid. If they don't bond within a abilities. Although the juvenile Purple embryos - more females being produced month, then chances are they will not Grenadiers are very insectivorous, they at warmer temperatures, more males at bond at all. Try for a different pairing. are easily reared on a good standard cooler temperatures. In our experience This bird is also graced with the eggfood recipe supplied to the Societies. with the Purple Grenadiers, this appears most beautiful song ofall the Uraeginthus Ifyou plan on parent-rearing, this is to be true. When we kept our birdroom species. The cock's song is quite intri­ a tricky procedure at best. We have suc­ very warm (thermostatically controlled cate and is actually more softbill-like. cessfully parent-reared these birds on to not drop below S6°F, even at night), Although the Violet-ear's song is very mealworms and eggfood as the only we produced only hen offspring - at least similar, it is much softer and does not sources of protein. Obtain mini-meal­ seven in a row, no cocks. When we low­ have much carrying power. The song worms (about 114 to 1/2 in. in length) ered the birdroom temperature to about of the Purple Grenadier is a beautiful and choose only the newly molted SO°F, we started to get a mixture ofcocks whistle offlute-like notes, interspersed ones (which will appear white) to offer and hens. It would be interesting to with clicks which, curiously enough, is to the parents. These should be intro­ know if others have experienced this reminiscent of the pre-mounting song duced to the birds before the eggs phenomenon. ofthe Crimson Seedcracker Pyrenestes hatch, so they will become accustomed In our opinion, the Purple Grenadier sanguineus. The hen Grenadier also to them. We feel that our birds accept­ is the most desirable of all the sings, but her song is not as flamboy­ ed these white mealworms, perceiving Uraeginthus species. Many people pre­ ant as the cock's. them as some sort ofstrange termite ­ fer the Violet-ears, but we found them Don't hesitate to mist these birds, for a food that they are undoubtedly very to be lethargic, lacking in intelligence as in most finches, it is a powerful familiar with in their homeland. It and interest in comparison with the breeding stimulus. With the addition of would also be wise to offer them other Grenadiers. Although the Violet-ears more livefood, your birds should pre­ livefood such as waxworms and white­ are, without doubt, very attractive, we pare to nest-build. Like most estrildids, worms in separate dishes. If you're believe the less formal but every bit as Grenadiers are opportunists when it fortunate enough to have a constant sup­ colorful markings of the Purple comes to nesting materials, so a hand­ ply oftermites and brave enough to bring Grenadiers to be somehow more nat­ ful of cut burlap strands and dried them into your house, then by all ural and vibrant. Physical beauty, per­ grasses should be sufficient. We cannot means try them. We do not ration meal­ sonality, intelligence - the Purple recollect any of our Grenadiers ever worms when chicks are present, and Grenadier has much to offer the serious building a free-standing nest, but con­ offer the parents hundreds every few aviculturist. There are no known muta­ sistently chose a large wicker finch hours, from lights-on (about 7 AM) until tions ofthis species, either in captivity basket in which to build. Sometimes a lights-out (about 10 PM). Upon fledging, or in the wild. Not too many years cock will sit in the nest for days on end we would advise you to take great ago this bird wholesaled for $125 a seemingly incubating eggs. However, care when servicing these birds. This is pair, but now goes for $250. Doubtless, upon examination the nest proved to be the only estrildid fmch that ever attacked the price will continue to escalate until empty. We do not fully understand this us in defending its young. Levin the end of importation. behavior, but it seems to be a testing Tilghman has also noticed this hostili­ We know of a few breeders making period, proving to the hen that the ty while one of his pairs was nest­ a serious effort to establish the Purple site is free from predators. When cock building. Obviously, they are too small Grenadier. However, it will take more and hen both start Sitting, then you to inflict injury upon an arm reaching than a few individuals to establish a can presume that the hen has laid. for a dish, but the experience can be species. For those ofyou who feel up Clutch size appears to be small, quite startling. to the challenge, we urge you to take averaging 3 to 4 eggs. Hatchlings have Juvenile Purple Grenadiers may be up this delightful bird and add to the lim­ a very dark purple skin with bright left with their parents until weaning, but ited number of people who are trying blue gape tubercles and exhibit an you must remove them before they to establish domestic strains before it is exaggerated back and forth head-swing begin the adult molt. Failure to do so too late. The disappearance of the begging motion. This begging posture may cause the cock to kill a perceived Purple Grenadier in aviculture would makes this species very difficult to rival- his own son or sons. Juveniles indeed be a regrettable loss. + 42 March/April 1996