Cordon Bleu Waxbill
Scientific Name: Uraegintbus Bengalis
Origin: Central Africa
This is a popular member of the waxbill family which lives for many years in an aviary after proper acclimatization. It is highly recommended for the novice fancier. Several pairs of these birds can be kept in a collection of waxbills. The Cordon Bleu is not aggressive, even when breeding.
The Cordon Bleu Waxbill (Uraeginthus cyanocephalus) is a small, colorful bird species belonging to the family Estrildidae, commonly known as waxbills or munias. It is native to the grasslands and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa.
The Cordon Bleu Waxbill is characterized by its bright blue head, a black mask around the eyes, chestnut back, and white underparts. The males have a red patch on their chest, while females have a lighter or absent patch. They are social birds and are often found in small flocks or pairs.
In captivity, the Cordon Bleu Waxbill is a popular pet bird due to its striking appearance, melodious song, and relatively easy care requirements. They thrive in a spacious cage with plenty of perches, toys, and a variety of seeds and fresh foods. However, it’s important to note that they are best kept in pairs or small groups, and require daily interaction and attention from their owners.
Description:
Size: 10 cm (4 in)
COCK:
Body: grayish-fawn. Undersides: blue. Head: blue. Cheeks: red crescent-shaped patches. Beak: pinky-grey. Legs: beige.
HEN:
Similar, but easy to sex with since she lacks there’d cheek patches.
Diet: (Seedeater)
Mixed millets and plain canary seeds form the basic diet. Greenford is always welcomed and millet sprays are enjoyed. Grit and cuttlefish bone must always be given. While this bird becomes hardy outside, it suffers from sudden changes in temperature and dampness. In winter, try to house the Cordon Blue in an indoor flight or a cage in a moderately warm room.
Cordon Bleu Waxbill Breeding
The cock bird displays to the hen using an amusing dance with a strain of his beak, and a pleasant song.
The Cordon Bleu is usually free breed-in. A pair builds a nest in a bush using any material it can find. Some fanciers provide open-fronted nest boxes or globular wicker baskets.
The hen weaves an intricate nest which’s lined with soft grasses and feathers, some of which she plucks from the cock’sbreast. The hen lays several eggs, normally between four and seven. Both parents take turns in sitting for the incubation period of 14 days.
Small live food is necessary to rear the chicks successfully, including ants’ eggs and mealworms. Inspective mix, seeding grasses, and egg food are welcomed. Sponge cake soaked in a honey and water mixture may be welcome.
The Cordon Bleu has been known to breed with the similar Blue-Breasted Waxbill, the St. Helena Waxbill, and even with Bengalese.
See more: Cockatiel