Diamond Firetail Finch

by Matthew M. Vriends, Ph.D. The Netherlands

The Diamond Fire-tailed Finch COlnes franz lnany parts ofAustralia. It is conunonly known to U.s. aviculturists as the Diamond Sparrow. It is not, houJever related to sparrow-like birds.

Scientific names: guish from the male; with enough com­ Emblema guttata Stagonopleura qut-· Description of Wild Bird parative material the hen s head and tata, and Zonaegnithus guttatus. The body seems generally slighter in struc­ fir t tated name i the rna t recent. Cock: The head and neck are gray­ ture. The lores ar'e brown instead of ish-blue; back and wings olive-brown; black; this is a good distinguishing Other names: rump and upper tail coverts crimson; mark in older birds. The eye-ring is gen­ Diamond Firefinch Diamond Finch· throat white; brea t with a wide, black erally lighter in color, as is the beak (pink­ ish-red). al 0 frequently Diamond Sparrow (a band that runs along the flanks and is name that is not recommended as this bordered by the wings; underside Immature: Generally less colorful, bird is no close relation to sparrow-like whitish; flanks, black with white pots with greenish-brown wings and back; birds), and Spotted-sided Finch. "diamond "; the econd part ofthe sci­ the rump and upper tail coverts are entific name guttata means "spotted carmine-red; the tail feathers are not and zona, in the already from 1796 dated black, but brownish-black· unlike the Subspecies: name Zonaeginthus, is the Latin word conspicuous ash-blue head ofthe adults, one. According to J.A. Keast (1958), for 'band": the Greek aigintha is a in juvenile it has a greeni h wash, a there are no geographical races; the "kind of bird." Beak maroon; the lares has the sides of the head. The flanks species philordi, mentioned by G.M. are black. The eyes are bordered with are greenish-brown with large gray­ Matthews in his book, ({The Birds of a con picuous red eye-ring, the same white bars and spots; the underside Australia (London 1910-27) mu t color as the iris. The legs and feet are of hens is light gray, in young cocks, therefore be regarded as a ynonym of grayish-brown. however, much lighter, almost white. The guttata. Hen: Is usually difficult to distin- beak of young hens at about three 8 November/December 1995 months ofage is generally light red; that hatched and reared. It seems that most Food: Diamond Finches are mainly of young cocks is dark red with a vio­ pairs build a new nest in the same seedeaters. Like sparrows, the finches let tinge. The rump and upper tail shrub in which they nested the previ­ hop on the ground in search of seeds, coverts of young hens are dull red; ous year. I observed some pairs even but they also jump up to the heads of that of young cocks are lighter red repairing or rebuilding their old origi­ seeding grasses with some success. with a pale sheen. These color differ­ nal nests and reusing them. It is there­ During the breeding season, the birds ences can sometimes be seen in older fore understandable that in some areas, supplement their menu with insects birds, especially when not in breeding where the habitat is in their favor, they which they also find on the ground or condition. A cock bird ready for mating, remain all year round.]uveniles usually "pluck" from the foliage ofplants. In cap­ however, is easy to distinguish by his also stay in the area in which they tivity, Diamond Finches will be content frequent singing, and his vivid-red eye­ were reared, breeding themselves when with a commercial seed mixture as the rings. Should the bird moreover take a the time is ripe. In spite ofthis, continual main part ofthe diet, but they show pref­ grass stem in the beak, stand high on urbanization is gradually forcing pop­ erence for white and]apanese millets, the legs, and press the beak down ulations of the birds further inland. I especially outside the breeding sea­ against the breast, it is definitely a observed a typical example of this son. During the breeding season sprout­ male. During this performance he will when, on Kangaroo Island in 1983, ed seeds and seeding grass heads are also let his song be heard. The cock Diamond Finches were forced more taken avidly; millet sprays and bunch­ sometimes sings outside the breeding than 1,100 yards (about 1 km) further es ofseeding weeds can also be given season, but much less frequently. Also, inland in a single year. in the aviary. It is recommended that such outside the breeding season, the hen Diamond Finches are very strong seed heads are offered throughout the takes no notice ofthe male's singing; she on the wing; they fly powerfully with year; ifthey are offered only in the breed­ just keeps to herself. flOWing, light undulations - this is a ing season it is possible that the birds Apart from the male song, sexes of characteristic of birds that live in open will eat too much of them and become young birds are difficult to determine terrain and must be quick on the wing too fat. If they are given all year round outwardly. Even the white spots on to escape from predators. This typical it will discourage the birds from eating the flanks - which are sometimes larg­ kind of flight can be seen with many these seeds exclUSively and they will also er in hens - are no sure indication. The Australian Finches, but especially in seek out other food. In this connection only sure way, as we have said, is the all firetail species. However, it has to be it should be noted that hemp is also one song of the male. said that the flight of the Diamond of their favorite seeds. But this should Size: 4.5 inches (11.5 cm), sometimes Finch is the most beautiful of all. be given only sparingly, even when the a little smaller, sometimes to 4.75 inch­ es (12 cm); tail 1.7 in (4.3 cm); wings 2.5-2.75 inches (6-7 cm). Distribution: Central and southern Queensland, and via the Great Dividing Range in New South Wales, through Victoria to western South Australia (Eyre Peninsula); also on Kangaroo Island (large island south of Adelaide, South Australia). Field Biology: Diamond finches live in open terrain, including grasslands, mallee thickets, gardens, parks, and open woodland, generally in the imme­ diate neighborhood ofwater. I have seen these birds on Kangaroo Island close to towns, especially in gardens and parks. In Queensland I have also frequently seen them close to human habitations. In Adelaide I observed them especial­ ly in the sparsely wooded hills, where they had plenty ofspace to move about • Loving Pets in. By leg-banding numbers ofbirds over SOlely~olomon Island Eclectus •Great Talkers a two year period, I ascertained that they ~l • Singles and were largely sedentary and almost Call Chauncey (409) 547-2506 Unrelated Pairs never left the area in which they were afa WATCHBIRD 9 birds are in a large aviary with plenty good for the health and influence 1995 COMMITIEES of exercise space. behavior strongly and positively, it also AVIAN RESEARCH In the wild various termites, other cuts out the danger of spoiled, infect­ William Sager, D.V.M. (508) 486-3101 insects and their larvae are taken by the ed water. In spite of this I give my AFA IN BRIEF (monthly newsletter) breeding adults and fed to the nestlings. Diamond Finches (and other birds) a Cheryl Jones (509) 226-0611 fax (509) 326-6725 In the cage or aviary, small mealworms, fresh dish ofwater in which a dose of AVYAWARDS or maggots can be given; these larvae vitamin/mineral supplement is dis­ Dale Thompson (805) 252-4871 should first be killed by immersing solved, twice per day. CAPTIVE BREEDING SURVEY them in boiling water (use a net or a Calls: Before the breeding season Starr Kirkchoff (616) 327-3399 piece ofold nylon pantyhose). Fruit flies actually gets underway, the cock is CITES and white worms (Enchytrae) can also already charming his spouse with a AI McNabney (510) 945-1785 be given, as can commercial egg food Simple song. The song is somewhat harsh CONSERVATION (Red Siskin) (Cede, LIM's Universal Plus etc.). Grit sounding and consists ofa series ofsim­ Kevin Gorman (716) 865-6414 must be available throughout the year, ple notes; I can best describe it as CONSERVATION SMALL GRANTS and a mineral block should also be Benny Gallaway (409) 775-2000 "qweat, qweat, qweat-the-qweat-the­ FAX (409) 775-2002 available. In the wild I have seen the qweat" (ea as in sea); sometimes one can CONVENTION COORDINATOR birds eating pieces of charcoal. In cap­ hear variations. In the wild, as well as Mary Perry (801 )582-6445 tivity I would therefore also recom­ in the aviary, one can hear the contact fax (801 )486-0757 mend that charcoal is made available calls, not only when a group is togeth­ COOPERATIVE BREEDING PGM (grains of charcoal are present in most Sharon Garsee (916) 784-1314 er (usually 20-30 birds including the cur­ commercial grit mixtures). However, rent year's offspring), but also when one DRAWING COORDINATOR Cathy Ford (805) 684-0752 charcoal should be given very sparingly or more birds have strayed too far and cautiously. The necessity of a daily EDUCATION AND MEDIA SERVICES away from the group and are being Bob Smith (517) 764-4170 supply ofcharcoal is questionable as it warned to return. Such contact calls have ETHICS is suspected ofabsorbing vitamins A, B2, a nasal character, are fairly consistent but Larry Ring (916) 885-7868 and K from the intestinal tract. Ifthis is quite urgent beginning with a high EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR correct, it can mean that charcoal can tone and then gradually descending Robert J. Berry (713) 434-8076 cause vitamin-deficiency disease. into the second syllable; "whoo-oo­ fax (713) 433-3731 During the breeding season I also like oo-hee-ee-ee" (00 as in wood; ee as in FINANCE Jim Hawley bus (602) 838-4770 to give my birds some water-soaked heat). A similar somewhat softer call is res (602) 987-9206 brown bread, although it must be used for contact between cock and fax (602) 987-3389 removed after a few hours as it will sour hen. During the breeding season the call FUND RAISING rapidly. Put egg food, soaked bread, and (especially near the nest), especially that Tom Marshall (703) 777-3252 other quickly perishable foods in the of the cock, is higher and louder. The ILLEGAL BIRD TRADE sheltered part of the aviary so that they Marty Muschinske (619) 468-3201 cock identifies himself with such a call don't spoil too qUickly. Never use milk when he approaches the nest, so that LEGAL COUNSEL Gary Lilienthal (617) 345-0770 in which to soak bread as many birds the hen is not alarmed. Normal contact LEGISLATION cannot tolerate it. calls are used when the birds seek Dwight Greenberg (407) 631-9800 As in the wild, captive birds drink reg­ shelter from the midday heat, and also fax (407) 632-4338 evenings when they assemble to roost. Janet Lilienthal (617) 345-0770 ularly but especially in the early hours of the morning. Unlike most birds but In this connection it is worth men­ MEMBERSHIP Paddy Lambert (314) 926-8186 like Zebra Finches, Gouldian Finches, tioning the "snoring call" first described NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS doves and pigeons, they suck the water by the ornithologist]. Welschke. This is up. This "method" works very well a call uttered by one ofa pair before fly­ PARLIAMENTARIAN Gary Clifton (602) 830-4920 early in the morning, or after light rain, ing from the food hopper to the nest in PUBLIC RELATIONS when dewdrops hang from the foliage; order to relieve his/her mate. This Cheryle Jones (509) 226-0611 the birds can suck up the water direct­ "snoring call" is actually uttered before fax (509) 326-6725 ly from the leaves, or from a concave the bird takes to the wing and the bird PUBLICATIONS stone, etc. Birds that live in areas sub­ in the nest answers in a similar fashion. Sheldon Dingle ph/fax (213) 223-7449 Dale R. Thompson (805) 252-4871 ject to drought are often able to suck up I have observed this behavior, togeth­ fax (805) 252-5861 water in such a way. You may often see er with the "snoring call" several times M. Jean Hessler (714) 548-3133 fax (714) 548-0420 this in an outdoor aviary after a show­ in large cages, especially in outdoor aviaries, and even once in the wild On PHOENIX BUSINESS OFFICE er of rain; the birds gently hopping Carol Inderrreden (602) 484-0931 along twigs and sucking up drops of Queensland) whereby one of the birds, fax (602) 484-0109 water that hang from them. I have also about 5 ft. from the nest (and about 12 WATCHBIRD STAFF seen both aviary inmates and wild ft. from where I was concealed) was Dale Thompson/Editor- (805) 252-4871 in Chief fax (805) 252-5861 finches jumping up to hanging dew­ acrobatically removing some seeds Sheldon Dingle/Managing drops, catching them on the tip of the from grass heads. Once the bird finished Editor ph/fax (213) 223-7449 M. Jean Hessler/Art (714) 548-3133 beak, and swallowing as they land. In eating, it sat dead still on the ground, Director, Production fax (714) 548-0420 the aviary, the birds are very partial to and uttered a low toned, somewhat Sharon Rosenbratt (703) 255-3399 running water; a little fountain with drawn-out "chrou-chrou-chrou" (ou as Advertising fax (703) 281-3140 or Phoenix Office fresh running water is indeed a luxury in ought) which was answered, almost for most fanciers but it will not only be immediately by the bird in the nest.

10 November/December 1995 Welschke, as well as Immelmann, is con­ vinced that the answer from the bird in Corporate Members the nest means that all is safe and well, Hagen Inc., Rolf C., Canada Nekton USA, Clearwater, FL and that the relief can take place with­ LjM Animal Farms, Pleasant Plain, OH Sun Seed Company, Bowling Green, OH out danger. This behavior can also be luv Them Birds, Miami, FL Sunshine Bird Supplies, Miami, FL seen in the Red-eared Firetail Finch. I lyon Electric Company, Chula Vista, CA Zoogen, Inc., Davis, CA agree with both of these ornitholo­ gists, having observed the behavior myself several times. Immelmann is right Commercial Members in pointing out that this form of com­ munication (that we know from several Aardvark Imports, Santa Monica. CA Highland House of Birds, St. Paul, MN other species ofAustralian finch, includ­ About Birds, Hebron, IL JDP Enterprises Inc .. Cooper Canyon, TX Adsit Mobile Veterinary Clinic, Schenectady, NY Jewels on Wings, Elko, NV ing the Zebra Finch and the earlier Alan P. Friedman, Gahanna, OH Julie Weiss Murad, Aspen, CO mentioned Red-eared Firetail Finch) American Bird Center, Goulds, FL Jungle Ginny's, Andover, NJ has evolved as a result of the long And Feathers Bird Studio, Chicago, IL Just Parrots, Lexington, SC entrance tunnel to the nest, in which a Animal Crackers, Greendale, WI Kaytee Products, Inc., Chilton, WI bird in the nest would have absolute­ Ark Animal Hospital, Alamagordo, NM Kellogg, Inc. Seeds & Supplies. Milwaukee, WI ly no visual contact with the outside Avian Kingdom Supply, Inc., Dallas, TX Kookaburra Pets, Carrolton, TX Avian Resources, San Dimas, CA L'Avian Plus Pet Products, Stephen, MN world. Avi-Sci, Inc., Okemos, WI Lima's Exotic Birds, Woodland Hills, CA In the case ofa nest not yet fully com­ Avitech, Inc., Frazier Park, CA Little Peeker's Bird Farm, Martinez, CA pleted, the bird can look outside and see Banish, Theresa, Pinole, CA Living Design, Inc., Colorado Springs, CO possible danger in time, whereas a Bay-Mor Pet Feeds, Cressona, PA Loriidae Production Network, Woodlake, CA bird in a fully completed nest with Biomune Company, Lenexa, KS Maggie & Me, Franklin, KY Bird Brains, South Africa Magnolia Bird Farm, Anaheim, CA tunnel cannot see such danger itself and Bird Country, Lewistown, MT Mandy Wagner Davidson, requires assistance. The tunnel is thus Bird House, Grand Haven, MI Roatan Island, Honduras constructed first, before the nest, and we Birdlady's Babes, Atascadero, CA Max Sharpe, Plant City, FL must note further that the birds continue Birdland Breeding Farm, Elkhart, IN Mireille C. Santillo, FI Lauderdale, FL to add to the nest even when they Bird-on-a-Stick, Merrillville, IN Mountain Lake Aviary, Brooksville, FL have eggs or youngsters. Bird's Haven, Inc., Elmhurst, IL Neotropic Aviaries, Myakka City, FL Birdzerk Aviary, Marshallville, GA Ohio Association of Animal Owners, The so-named snoring call, is some­ Blue Skies Aviary, Whitwell, TN Pleasant, OH thing like the somewhat harsh song of Boston Exotics, Action, MA P& J, Marshalltown, IA the cock, only it is not so long, and is C&FParrot Farm, Corpus Christi, TX Paradise for Birds, Cary, NC interspersed with an "ee" (as in deep) C& J Parrot Pals, Phoenix, AZ Paradise for Birds Rehab, Cary NC sound: Kwee-ou-kwee-ou, kwee-ou­ Cedar Hill Aviary, Northbranch, NY Parrotville Aviaries, St. Clair, MN Citrus Park Animal Hospital, Tampa, FL Patty's Parrots, Booneville, MS thee-ou-thee-kwee, and the necessary Cock-a-Doodle Too, Richmond, VA Penn-Plax Inc., Garden City, NY variations on this. Corners Ltd., Inc., Kalamazoo, MI Pet-iatric Supply, Wichita, KS The lure call (which the birds use on Country Critters, Ltd., Medford, NY Pets NSuch, Inc., Erlanger, KY approaching each other) ofthe cock is Crofton Animal Hospital, Crofton, MD Pleasant Valley Animal Hospital, higher than that of the hen, and is Cuttlebone Plus, Fallbrook, CA Quakertown, PA held longer; it sounds like: Woo-ooh­ Dan McCormic. Wildwood, FL Premium Nutritional Products-ZuPreem. Dean Parrot Farm, Dripping Springs, TX Topeka, KS ee-ee, woo-oh-ee-ee (00 as in too; eee Di Vinci Ltd., las Vegas, NV Gwyn Poor as in sea). Double "M" Feed Co., Terry Town. LA Precious Hearts Aviary Courtship and Mating: Diamond ORB Bird Ranch, Deming, NM Rain Forest Exotics, Inc., Conroe. TX Finches are very temperamental, and this Eden's Nestbox, Eden, MD Raintree Publications, Fort Bragg, CA shows during courtship. In Australia they Edie's Bird Farm, Glendale, AZ R.B. Exotic Birds, Thousand Oaks, CA Exotic Animal Rescue Service, Carmel Santa Barbara Bird Farm, Santa Barbara, CA can sometimes breed throughout the Valley, CA Scarlet Orchard Aviaries, Otis Orchards, WA year, when suitable conditions prevail. F& 0 Exotics, Princeton, FL Schults Bird Farm, Langhorne, PA However, all year breeding of captive Fabulous Feathers Aviary, Texarkana, TX Seven Seas Aquarium & Pets. Auburn, WA birds is not advised, as sooner or later Fancy Feathers, Sparta, NJ Swan Creek Supply--Grumbach Incubators, you will be confronted with egg-bind­ Fancy Publications, Mission Viejo, CA Saginaw, MI ing, weak youngsters or other problems. Fantastic Feathers, Port SI Lucie, FL Swelland's Cage & Supply Co., Ramona, CA Feather Fantasy, Inc., Miami, FL The Bird Shop, Sacramento, CA It has been determined that Diamond Featherhaven Phase III. Four Oaks. NC Topp Flock Aviary, Inc., Loxahatchee, FL Finches pair up early in life and that this Feathering Heights, Scotts Valley, CA Torrey's Parrot Place, Spokane, WA pair bond is sustained for life. I consider Featherwood Farms, Phoenix, AZ Touch of Grey Aviary, Marlboro, MA the courtship display of the Diamond Firethorn Supply, Salt Lake City, UT Turner, Drs. Stanley & Kathleen, Hilton Finch to be exceedingly pronounced: First Flight. Belleville. IL Head, SC EM. Brown's Sons, Inc., SinkiAg Spring, PA Ulrich, Richard A., Clearwater. FL the cock repeatedly makes a spectac­ Greenfield Bird Farm, Solvang, CA Urban Bird, New York, NY ular display. Before beginning his Goldenfeast Pet Foods, Pottstown, PA Waylyn Enterprises, Onyx, CA dance, he seeks out a long stalk of Gulf Coast Exotic Birds, Panama City, FL Wyld's WingdonMoyock, NC grass which he then holds in his beak. Heartland Pets, Eagan, MN Yvonne's Swings and Things, Rochester, NY Thus "kitted-out", he flies to a high, thin Henry's Aviary. Sequin, TX Zeigler Bros. Inc .. Gardners, PA branch. Once there he sits bolt-upright and bobs up and down with the stem afa WATCHBIRD 11 in his beak. (I have observed birds or young in it. From this you can well uation is quite different. Pairs are best with stems over 4.5 ft. [135 cm] in the imagine that Diamond Finches are very kept singly, as males are prone to fight . beak trying to balance, and even falling active birds and in captivity must have and we cannot afford such risks with off the perch.) The head is stretched up an aviary or at least a very roomy cage breeding birds. It would only take two as far as it will go, but with the beak otherwise they are likely to pine away. cocks to fight to destroy the harmony pointing down towards the breast, and Outside the breeding season the birds of all birds in the aviary. all the time trying not to lose the stem! are kept busy building dormitory nests In the wild I saw the birds in groups Additionally, he spreads out his flank and or practice nests; once a number are built, repeatedly drinking together, foraging belly feathers imposingly, and appears the birds will unceasingly restore, repair, for food, even helping each other out almost doubled in size. Once in this posi­ rebuild, strengthen, lengthen tunnels, etc. in nest building and feeding the fledg­ tion he begins to make bobbing move­ I saw several sleep/breeding nests that lings. ments as his legs and feet are bent had an extra entrance/exit tunnel (often and stretched in turn, like a "bouncing opposite the main entrance but some­ The Diamond Finch ball" as described by Immelmann. His times in the roof or one of the sides); in Aviculture toes always hang tightly onto the twig these were probably used as emer­ during this performance; in other words gency exits. While Australia has a large Introduction: The Diamond Finch the whole display takes place in one population ofsnakes and lizards, these is not really suitable as a cage bird; spot. While performing he lets out his emergency exits are no luxury; a mean­ being a very active bird it would soon harsh "kweet, kweet, kweet, kweet" ing held by many ornithologists. The get too fat in a confined space. Trying calls. As soon as the hen reacts and extra tunnel is, at first, kept closed; to breed with obese birds will not be comes into his sight, the cock makes the the opening in the wall or roof is first very successful. Small aviaries with last deep movement and stretches his made when the young have hatched. It numbers of other finch-like birds are neck like a youngster begging for food is interesting to note that many African also not very suitable as Diamond (compare this with the well-known waxbills, Cordon Bleus, etc. build a Finches have the nasty habit of van­ begging behavior of young Zebra similar nest (Immelmann). dalizing nests, disturbing eggs and Finches!). He also lets out his "kweet, Incubation: The clutch normally nestlings, and generally interfering kweet" sound while doing this. This consists of 5-8, but may range from 4­ with breeding. However, I must hon­ behavior can be best observed with birds 9 eggs, each about 18 x 13 mm. The estly say that I have come across sev­ in a large outdoor aviary. birds start to incubate after the sec­ eral pairs of Diamond Finches that Nest: The Diamond Finch often ond egg has been laid. The sexes take were quite friendly and sociable; but builds its rough nest under the huge nests it in turn to incubate, but usually both strong behavioral differences mean of eagles and other birds of prey. I parents incubate at night. The period of that fanciers must keep a close eye have also found their nests among the incubation is two weeks. on Diamond Finches when they are thickly packed twigs of crows' nests. In their native Australia the main kept in community aviaries, so that Twice I have found nests of Diamond natural breeding season stretches from any potential problems can be SWiftly Finches under the eaves of a derelict August to well into january (spring nipped in the bud. barn used by cattle at night; five times and summer), but sometimes addi­ Many breeders, including myself, in a lemon tree in a friend's garden; eight tionally in autumn from March to the end like to place several Diamond Finches times in a rose bush, three times in an of May, and exceptionally in winter ofboth sexes together in a large aviary orange tree, once in the nest of a crest­ during june and july depending on and allow them to pair up themselves. ed hawk, Aviceda subcristata, and weather conditions and availability of This is recommended because Diamond many times in eucalyptus trees infest­ food. Finches are strongly monogamous; ed with mistletoe. You can thus imag­ It is thus possible for a pair to rear wild birds often pair bond, even before ine that these birds are not particularly three brocxls in the year. The young leave they have their full adult plumage. It is fussy with regard to nesting sites. the nest at about one month ofage, but quite easy to follow this method if you Generally, however, the bottle-shaped sometimes as young as 21-26 days. have leg banded your birds with rings nests are found in thick shrubs or other However, they are still fed by the par­ ofvarious colors. As soon as a pair has undergrowth; sometimes in high spots, ents for a considerable time after fledg­ formed it must be immediately removed even in trees (I have found nests some­ ing. They attain full adult plumage in one to a large cage, placed out of hearing times as high as 25 m up in trees). to three months and are then difficult of the other Diamond Finches. The The nest itself has a long, tunnel-like to distinguish from their parents. pairs can be returned to aviaries when entrance up to 3 in. (8 cm) long and the Social Behavior: As we have already they are completely rested and at least main nest is about 6 in. (I5 cm), with said, the birds live in groups of about one year old. If you want to breed the nest chamber about 3 in. (8 cm) in 30 outside the breeding season, though selectively (breeding mutations for diameter. The nest is made from grass odd isolated pairs may still be seen example) and must place chosen pairs stalks and strips and similar items. occasionally. They inhabit mallee scrub, together, this is quite easy as long as you Sometimes very long stalks (I have eucalyptus woodland, farmland and keep them out ofsight and sound ofthe found stalks used up to 45 cm long) are riverine areas. During the breeding other birds until the pair is in breeding used, but also thin twigs and strips of season the groups remain in loose con­ condition. bark are used. The inner chamber is lined tact, often building their nests in close We will of course be using only with soft gras's and feathers. Both cock proximity, sometimes even in the same acclimatized birds, for example, those and hen continue to strengthen and shrub or tree! bred in Europe (Australia has banned repair the nest, even when there are eggs In the aviary, as we will see, the sit- all exports of native birds since 1960)

12 November/December 1995 KAYTEE AVIAN FOUNDATION l

The Kaylee Avian Foundation is a non-profit organization, whose mission is "to enhance people's knowledge and enjoyment of birds through education, conservation and research." The Foundation Kaytee Products Incorporated • Chilton, Wisconsin 53014 is dedicated to caring for birds and their environment, and to help­ ing people preserve their interaction with birds today and tomor­ row. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Kaylee products KAYTEE AVIAN RESEARCH CENTER goes toward helping the efforts of the Foundation. For more infor­ With over 5,000 birds representing over 100 species, the Kaylee Avian Research Center is the largest mation, write: exotic bird nutritional research facility in the world. Utilizing two major research facilities and an education KAYTEE AVIAN FOUNDATION center, cooperative projects are underway with universities, government agencies, research and conser· P.O. Box 224, Chilton, WI 53014 vation organizations such as the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Wild Bird Feeding Institute, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and others. Projects such as these will ensure people's continued enjoyment of birds, not ©1995 KAYTEE PRODUCTS INCORPORATED only today but for tomorrow and generations to come. must be kept for the fIrst 30 days in large, shower! coal (but not too much of the latter). I dry cages, observed, and gradually However, the floor of the aviary give my birds stale wholegrain bread accustomed to the USA available seed must not be permanently wet. Many soaked in water twice a week (but menu before being used for breeding. fanciers have the sprinkler system only beware of mold), and a good brand of Diamond Finches are not particularly dif­ in the open part of the flight and set it vitamin/mineral supplement in powder ficult birds to breed and, with a little to work in the morning say from 10-12 form that I sprinkle over the bread or insight and knowledge, even the begin­ AM, allowing the midday sun to dry greenfood. ner can be successful. Incidentally, the everything up again before evening, so The Breeding Period: It is very first captive breeding results in Europe that the birds don't have to go to roost important to provide adequate nest­ were in France about 1855, and The in a wet environment. If for some rea­ ing material at breeding time. You must Netherlands from 1865, with Mr. Comelly son or other you cannot supply running keep a good eye on the birds, who will being the first breeder. water or a sprinkler system, you must steal materials from other nests if the Housing: As we have said, the most give water in large, shallow, earthenware don't have enough! Such behavior can ideal housing for Diamond Finches is dishes so that there is no danger of the be detrimental to other broods as the a large, well designed aviary, so that the birds drowning. Such dishes must nat­ thieves don't make any distinction birds can take cover if necessary. You urally be cleaned and refilled with between empty nests or those con­ can keep other finches in such an fresh water several times per day. taining eggs or young! aviary, but bear in mind.that certain indi­ An adequate temperature is impor­ Cocks in breeding condition will viduals can "cause trouble." Some tant for the well-being of the birds. perform their courtship dance and part­ breeders who have an aviary at least 8 Temperatures below 60° F 05° C) are ners will be continually preening each m long (26 ft.) use already formed not well tolerated. Birds housed in out­ other. Preening is a very important pairs to form a colony. This will be suc­ door quarters must therefore be taken activity in the life of the Diamond cessful, as long as we remove any indoors as soon as temperatures start to Finch, and is carried out between part­ "trouble-makers." Such an aviary will drop in early fall. ners at all times of the day. Newly house seven or eight pairs ofDiamond Diet: Diamond Finches may be fed fledged young start preening them­ Finches along with other finch species. on various kinds of millet and sorghum selves and each other almost immedi­ The aviary must always be dry and seeds, but they prefer white andJapanese ately. Preening is a family affair, pairs draft-free, protected from cold winds. millet, especially during the breeding sea­ or siblings rarely carrying out with In areas with prolonged rainy periods son and in the colder months ofthe year. "unrelated" members of the group. it is recommended that at least half of Canary grass seed, seeding grass heads In Australia, well cared for captive the outside flight is roofed over with both ripe and unripe, and weed seeds Diamond Finches will breed through­ transparent roofing material, .so that can all be offered. Ripe seed heads out the year, but in our area we should the floor stays dry. The length of the will be taken greedily if you place stick to no more than three broods aviary must always be enough to allow them in bottles of water set into the per annum, beginning in April or May. the birds adequate flying room, without ground. Millet and canary seed can Many fanciers start breeding only when hitting something once in flight. Medium also be given in soaked or sprouted form, they are sure they have a constant sup­ sized shrubs, clumps ofgrass, and sim­ as well as greenfood such as lettuce, ply of grass and weed seeds plus ilar low plantings are recommended, so spinach, chick weed, endive, chicory and insects. The birds will show they are in that birds can take shelter if there is any so on. Although not all birds will take breeding condition by courtship dances trouble. them, insects are an important part of (by the cock) and the collecting of Furthermore, it is important, as we the diet; commercial rearing and egg­ nesting materials. A large amount ofnest have mentioned above, to provide a foods for canaries can also be given, not material is used by Diamond Finches, fountain with running water so that only in the breeding season, but through­ often three to four times more than the birds always have fresh water. It out the year. Yet, as I have already other Australian finches! So make sure would be ideal to install a sprinkler sys­ said, I have known pairs of Diamond they have enough. Experience has tem in the open part of the flight, not Finches that ignored insects as long shown that long, pliable, grass stems are only for the benefit of the plants; the as they had seeding grass heads avail­ favorite for building the nest chamber, birds will also use it. It is a wonderful able. In spite ofthis I recommend that interwoven with small down feathers sight seeing the little finches have a insects such as the follOWing are made (chick feathers are prized). Hay, small available: ant pupae, small mealworms, twigs, and wool may also be offered. ~ " ' .. . - , ,'.y: .. enchytrae, maggots, spiders and simi­ The nest is bulky and usually bottle­ < ~ Your Exclusive Bird Book lar. Fruit flies (Drosophila) are taken avid­ shaped, with one entrance. Frequently < ly; you can attract these (and other one or two extra nests are built on Headquarters!!! < < insects) with a piece of banana (or top or on the sides for roosting purposes. We can offer you an excellent selectioo .~ ~ ~ other fruit) laid in the sun and covered Both partners build the nest. Make of over 150 specialized & Imported '~ titles. Many titles not fOWld in Pet or ~ with mesh to stop the birds coming into sure you have thick shrubs in the aviary ~ Book stores. Send $1.00 for catalog ~ contact with it. The birds will catch (2-2.5 m high) (6 ft.); these will be (refundable on lst order) ~ be> -~ the insects hovering around the fruit or used as nesting sites in preference to nest ~ SPENCER PUBLICATIONS ~. sitting on the mesh. The fruit should be boxes. However, it is advisable to also ~ 20E.SomOAve.~ ~ WB ,-< changed every couple ofdays. Finally, offer a number ofnest boxes However, Tomahawk, WI 87 .~ the birds must have a mineral block, salt it is advisable to also offer a number of ~' (715) 453-1017 I~ i ~. -, I',,",,",.' ",;;")'u'k ,:." ',;.\, ~J. wheel (available commercially), cuttle nest boxes at various sites, minimal . -~ - - ~ " fish bone, oyster grit, and some char- measurements 15 x 15 x 15 cm (6 x 6 14 November/December 1995 x 6 in.) - you never know! lars) how the parents try to get the Diamond Finches remain fertile for Clutch: The hen lays usually 4-6 young together where they will have a relatively long time; five years is eggs On the wild 7-9), but four young more control over them. After a few about the average. They should not, are usually reared. Both parents take hours they usually give up these attempts however, be allowed to breed until turns at incubating. Diamond Finches and feed their brood in a somewhat they are at least 12 months old. Average are regarded as excellent parents, but calmer manner; they continue to feed life expectancy for a Diamond Finch is are not tolerant oftoo many nest inspec­ the young a variety of foods for about seven to eight years, providing it receives tions, especially after the young have three weeks, before they become inde­ optimum housing, care and feeding. hatched. It is therefore recommended pendent. Evenings and nights the par­ Three color mutations are known at that youngsters are first leg banded ents and young return to the old nest the present time: the recessive yellow just before they fledge. Young that or to a sleeping nest to roost. After (the conspicuous red rump of the nor­ leave the nest too early rarely return for leaVing the nest early in the morning, mal form is replaced by orange), the sex­ the night and there is a great risk that they have a mutual preening session linked fawn, and obviously, the yellow they will succumb to the cold. before going to eat and drink. split for fawn (yellow/fawn). +- Incubation starts after the second egg is laid, and takes about 12 days. It may be prudent to point out that the eggs of first breeding pairs will do better if fostered out to Society Finches (Bengalese). I have noticed that if CONTROL DISEASE allowed to rear their own chicks, young WITH pairs often abandon them after only a couple of days feeding. VfltiODltiE V.18 In Australia, I noticed that many VAtiODUtE V.18 IS AN IODINE BASED DISINFECTANT-CLEANER breeders divided a brood of Diamond IN CONCENTRATED FORM, THAT HELPS CONTROL DISEASE IN THE Finches among two or three pairs of PRESENCE OF ALL WARM BLOODED CREATURES. Society Finches (or placed them in the SAFE - NON-TOXIC, NO NOXIOUS FUMES, NO HEAVY ODORS. nests of Diamond Finches that had ECONOMICAL - ONLY ONE TSP. PER GALLON OF WATER. only one or two young), as it is impos­ TIME SAVER - NO RINSING REQUIRED. sible for these foster parents to rear a EFFECTIVE - TESTED AND PROVEN AGAINST - E. COLI ­ whole brood of Diamond Finches; - STAPH - SALMONELLA - STREP - PSEUDOMONAS - CANDIDA - young Diamond Finches eat a lot more - ASPERGILLUS - AND MANY MORE! - than young Society Finches, so the food supply of the foster parents is 8 OZ. EASY PUMP DISPENSER -- $16.95 8 OZ. REFILL -- $14.95 inadequate to feed them all properly. MAKES 32 GALLONS Young: The young are fed by both 16 OZ. EASY PUMP DISPENSER -- $21.95 16 OZ. REFILL -- $19.95 parents, and are never left alone in MAKES 64 GALLONS the nest! So, when one parent is foraging 32 OZ. EASY PUMP DISPENSER -- $30.95 32 OZ. REFILL -- $28.95 for food the other stays in the nest, only MAKES 128 GALLONS leaving when the partner has returned. 1GALLON EASY PUMP DISPENSER -- $76.95 Only after 12-14 days will it happen that MAKES 512 GALLONS both parents leave the young alone RECOMMEtiDED FOR WASHltlG CAGES. FLIGHTS. for short periods. After foraging, they tlEST BOXES. FOOD rr WATER VESSELS. ETC. always stay awhile in the nest, but this period also shortens and when the • [~~s~] young are about 20 days old both par­ ents will be busy going backwards and ----ViSA, MASTERCARD, AND DISCOVER ACCEPTED ---- forwards keeping them fed! This behav­ TO ORDER BY PHOtiE CAll TOll FREE 1-800-364-3431 ior encourages the young themselves to PRICES INCLUDE SHIPPING & HANDLING IN THE CONTINENTAL U.S. leave the nest, especially when one TO ORDER BY MAIL - MAKE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO of the parents sits outside with food in FIRETHORN SUPPLY its beak, luring the youngster out! The UTAH RESIDENTS ADD 6.125% SALES TAX strongest youngster makes the first PLEASE SUPPLY COMPLETE STREET ADDRESS FOR DELIVERY C.O.D. ORDERS OK ($4.50 U.P.S. FEE APPLIES) break into the wide world. As soon as the other youngsters see this - especially FIRETHORN SUPPLY PHONE: 801-364-3420 when they are also hungry - they will FAX: 801-364-1409 follow suit. 165 REGENT STREET SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84111-1903 Shortly after the youngsters have fledged the parents will become extreme­ ALSO AVAILABLE: BRIGHT rr HEAlTHYTM SPIRUUtlfl ly agitated, as the fledglings do not fitiD ORGfitilC WHEATGRfiSS POWDER. stay easily together, but seem to dis­ -CALL FOR PRICES- appear into every corner ofthe aviary. It is interesting to watch (with binocu-

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