Strawberry Finch
(Amandava Amandava)
Common Names: Strawberry Finch, Red Avadavat, Tiger Finch
Description: In this species of waxbill the hen's upper body is brown-gray while her underbelly to undertail are yellow-gray. Both sexes have random white spots throughout there plumage, bright red beaks, flesh colored legs and the eyes are black encircled by red-brown. The male's plumage resembles that of the hen when he is not in breeding condition. However, once in breeding plumage the males turn a dark bright red color. If enviromental conditions are lacking the male is known to turn black.
Size: These birds are very small in size ranging from 3-4inches (9-10cm).
Origin: Unlike most known waxbills the Strawberry Finch originates from India and not Africa.
Mutations/Sub-species:
Bombay Avadavat (Amandava Punicea)- colors are brighter & white spots
are smaller
Yellow Avadavat (Amandava Flavidiventris)- Orange or yellow instead of normal
red coloring
Golden-Breasted Avadavat (Amandava Subflava)- Red eye strip, orange-red breast,
red bill, green-gray body
Green Avadavat (Amandava Formosa)- Green body and yellow underparts instead
of normal red coloring
Diet: A good Strawberry Finch diet is much like that of other waxbills cosisting of a small seed mix such as Finch which includes a mixture of millets and seeding grasses. This waxbill is not highly insectivorous but will benefit from livefood. Small mealworms, waxworms and fruit fly larva can be mixed in with soft food and offered daily. 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: Do not forget to trim your Strawberry Finch's nails on occasion and provide bath water daily!
Compatibility: This bird is a good specimen for a mixed aviary provided there is plently of room and other birds out number the Strawberry Finches. During the breeding season or when you have Strawberry Finch males housed together they will become slightly agressive towards the same species during the breeding season.
Housing: These birds do
best in a large planted aviary with mixed species. If you are wanting them
to breed you can try seperating them by pairs into large flights. Some people
claim they will breed in breeding cages but we prefer to house them in single
pair planted flight cages. Some heat will be required durring winter months
so these birds are best suited for large indoor aviaries during winter. In
the summer time they will thrive and come into best color in outdoor aviaries.
Song: This species of bird is actualy the only waxbill that has a true song. The song reminds me of a melody of tiny silver bells somewhat resembling that of a Weaver but it is more monotonous. Only the males sing!
Breeding: Strawberry Finches can be cage bred or aviary bred. You will notice the male collecting nesting material in which the hen recieves and begins building the nest. The average clutch consist on 5-7 eggs in which are incubated for 12-`14 days. The young Strawberry Finches fledge at about 3 weeks old resembling hen or males in eclipse plumage.
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