Gray Singing Finch

(Serinus Atrogularis)

Common Names: Yellow-Rumped Gray Singer, Gray Singing Finch

Description: Gray Singers are a drab gray color with cream streaking throughout the body plumage. The eyes are dark, the beak grey-ivory and the legs are pale pink. Both sexes look identical and can prove hard to sex. Hens can at times be sexed from a necklace type beading when in breeding condition but this is not always the case.

Size: This species normaly ranges about 4 inches (10cm).

Origin: The Gray Singer originated in Northern Africa.

Mutations/Sub-species: There are no know mutations of Grey Singers.

Diet: A good Gray Singer diet must include a mixture of millets, canary grass seeds, wild seeds and green food . These birds are especially fond of Maw and Poppy seed. They will require more green food and livefood when breeding. Ant eggs, small mealworms, waxworms and fruit fly larva can be mixed in with soft food and offered on occasion. Fresh water, cuttlebone and grit should also be supplied at all times. Lettuce, Spinach, Chickweed, Spray Millet, Eggfood, Brocolli tops and Carrot tops can also be offered on a regular basis.

General Care: They are generaly hardy but can be susceptible to cold climates. Provide fresh water daily.

Compatibility: This species is best suited for one pair per flight. Though they normaly get along with other finches in a mixed aviary males will fight among their own species. Also be careful about placing small waxbills with them.

Housing: A planted aviary or spacious cage is the best setting for Gray Singers. This enviroment will entice the male to sing more often than when housed in breeding cages. They will require heating at least to 60-65 degrees during Winter months.

Song: What the Gray Singer lacks in color he makes up for in song. The males are considered excellent songsters rivaling that of a male Canary, if not better. Click the button below to hear the male's song.

Breeding: These birds prove to breed more often in a planted aviary than in breeding cages. They prefer a Canary type nest positioned in a high sheltered spot such as the corner of a cage. Artifical plant covering around the nest will provide them with the nest privacy they need. Nesting material supplied can be dried moss, feathers, or soft Canary nesting material. The average clutch consist of 3-5 eggs which hatch after 14 days. The hen incubates the eggs alone while the male guards the nest. Hens rarely leave the nest and males are attentive with feeding her while she sticks to her duties. After the eggs hatch it is important to supply the parents with adequate greenfood, eggfood and livefood. The young, dark streaked Gray Singers will fledge around 2 weeks old. The male then assumes feeding responsibilities until the young are weaned. Once weaned young should be removed to prevent fighting between father and male offspring.