Star Finch

(Neochima Ruficauda)

Common Names: Star Finches

Description: In the normal form the Star Finch has a bright red face which extends past the cheeks in males. The overal body color of this species is an olive green with a beige-yellow underbelly. Tiny white star like dots cover the the crown of the head circling around the outer edge of the eyes to the cheeks and extending from the chin to the chest then down the flanks. Both sexes have red beaks and dark eyes.

Size: The average size for this species is 4.5in (11cm).

Origin: This species originated and can be currently found in Northern Australia.

Sexing: Once molted into adult plumage Star Finches can easily be sexed visually. The males have a brighter red face mask which extends past the cheeks while hens have very little facial color with no red on the chin. Hens are also a duller grey-green with more white stars under the lower mandible and a beige colored belly while males are more olive green in color with a yellow colored belly.

Mutations/Sub-species: Aside from the normal form of Star Finches a few mutations are available such as yellow face (pumkin face) which chances the red face to orange, pied which give the bird blotches with no color pigment and fawn which changes the overall body color to a light brown color.

Diet: Star Finches do well on a finch mix which includes proso, japanese, german, siberian millet and canary seed. They also need fresh foods such as kale, green leaf lettuce, boiled egg, grated carrot, brocolli tops and chopped spinach. A vitamin/mineral supplement should be added in some form either in the water or on fresh foods. We chose to use Petamine and Wheat Germ Oil Blend mixed in with our "homemade eggfood" in which we give to all our birds. Cuttlebone, grit and fresh water should be available at all times.

General Care: Overall they are a pretty easy species to maintain but may need frequent nail trims.

Compatibility: This species is peaceful and a good canidate for a mixed aviary. They get along with thier own species and other species of the same temperment.

Housing: Star Finches can be housed in cages or planted aviaries of mixed species or their own species. Just be sure the birds you house them with also have a peaceful temperment. Best breeding attempts seem to happen when they are bred one pair per cage or planted flight. They will require heat during the winter at least to 55 degrees and will breed best in 70-75 degrees.

Song: The male's song is somewhat quiet but pleasant. He will puff his head feathers and lean forward while warbling his throat. He will also dance for the hen going from side to side in an up and down motion much like a Gouldian Finch only slower. Below is a short clip of the male. It is a little distorted in sound by the pugnacious Zebra Finches close by.

Breeding: Like most Austrailian Finches the Star Finches breeding season normaly ranges from mid October- March. However they may breed any time during the year if in breeding condition and the right enviroment. They often accept finch size nest boxes, bamboo finch nest or will build natural nest using coconut fiber, sisal, course grasses and feathers. After the male has constructed the nest and the hen accepts she will lay 3-6 eggs which she inccubates for 14 days. The male will on occasion sit with the hen or relive her from her duties for a while. Chicks normaly leave the nest at 3 weeks of age and are weaned by 6 weeks of age. It will take juveniles 4-6 months to obtain full adult plumage. While this species is eager to nest and breed they do not always make the best parents when feeding babies so be sure to supply them with plently of livefood and eggfood to feed the babies. You may also want to have a few Society Finch pairs set up as fosters just incase.

Price List:

SPECIES/MUTATION
Price Each
Price Per Pair
$65.00 Each (Male or Female)
$120.00 Pair
$75.00 Each (Male or Female)
$140.00 Pair