Funky Bird Cages

Birds are a group of warm-blooded vertebrates constituting the class Aves, characterised by feathers, toothless beaked jaws, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a strong yet lightweight skeleton.

Red Avadavat

Red Avadavat

The Red Avadavat, also known as the Red Munia or Strawberry Finch, is a small passerine bird that belongs to the family Estrildidae. Here are some interesting facts about this bird:

  1. Appearance: The Red Avadavat is a small bird, measuring about 4 inches in length. The males have bright red plumage all over their bodies, except for the black beak and tail. The females have a more subdued coloration, with a brownish-gray body and a reddish-brown head and breast.
  2. Habitat: The Red Avadavat is native to South Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. It prefers grasslands, scrublands, and agricultural fields, where it feeds on grass seeds and insects.
  3. Behavior: The Red Avadavat is a social bird that often forms large flocks. It is known for its cheerful and melodious song, which is used to attract mates and defend territory. It is also a highly active bird, spending much of its time foraging for food on the ground.
  4. Breeding: The breeding season for Red Avadavats varies depending on the location, but it typically occurs between December and June. The male courts the female by singing and performing a display flight. The female builds a small, cup-shaped nest out of grasses and other plant materials, which are usually located in a tree or shrub. The female lays 4-6 eggs, which she incubates for about 13-14 days. Both parents take turns feeding the chicks, which fledge after about 18-21 days.
  5. Conservation Status: The Red Avadavat is classified as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, the species is declining in some areas due to habitat loss and capture for the pet trade.

The Red Avadavat is a beautiful and interesting bird species that is popular among bird enthusiasts and hobbyists. It’s bright red coloration and cheerful song make it a fascinating addition to any birding experience.

Scientific Name: Anhzndava amandava

Origin: India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia

This bird is an excellent choice for a novice fancier. It is attractive and pleasantly disposed to other birds. It is willing to breed in an aviary, away from aggressive birds. The cock bird’s song is delightful though short.

Description:

Size: 10 to 13 cm (4 to 5 in)

COCK:

Beak: red. Wings: dark brown. Sides and breasts spotted with white. Body: bright red. Tail: black. Legs: brown. This is the only waxbill that has an eclipse plumage outside the breeding season when the brightly colored cock bird molts to resemble the drab-colored hen.

HEN:

Beak: red. Body: dark brown with beige on the abdomen. Wings: spotted with white. Upper tail coverts: red. Black stripe on ear coverts. Legs: brown. (Immature cocks look like hens.)

Diet: (Seedeater)

Mixed millets and spray millet are enjoyed. Plain canary seeds should be provided in a separate container. Green food and seeding grasses are also relished, and grit and cuttlefish bone must be available. This waxbill winters successfully outside without heat, needing only a frost-proof shelter. It survives healthily for many years outside in a planted aviary where the plumage retains its beautiful red color better than if housed inside.

Breeding:

The cock bird performs a prancing courtship dance displaying his spread tail. This bird makes use of a wicker basket or builds its own nest in dense shrubbery. It does not like to breed in enclosed boxes as much as other small finches. The hen lays between four and six eggs which she incubates, without assistance from the cock, for around 12 days. When the chicks hatch, the parents should be given small live insects, sprouted seeds, and seeding grasses to feed them. This specie shows a strange preference for using black chicken feathers to line the nest, arranged in the form of a screen. The provision of such feathers by a thoughtful owner encourages nesting, as do Lim bushes. This bird builds its hanging, pouch-shaped nest inside the bush sometimes with two entrances.

Breeding Tips Red Avadavat

  • The bird should be kept in flight. The aviary where it would be kept must have arrangements of full spectrum indoor light. If not dense, the aviary should be planted with a few trees at least.
  • Per aviary keep one pair of this specie of bird. The bird is aggressive towards birds that are of its size and resemble in color. So, select the right breed of birds that should be included in the flight along with the red avadavat.
  • The courtship is initiated by both sexes. The birds fluff their feathers and bow down to one another by holding a grass or a feather in the bill.
  • The birds usually nest in large hooded oval-shaped bamboo nests. To help them in building their nests you may provide them with long grasses of both rough and soft textures as well as coconut fibers. Also, introduce some burnt or charred wood pieces. They also have the habit of lining the inside of their nest with light-colored feathers.

The male cock can breed even when it has not yet developed the plumage of adulthood.

See more: Yellow Winged Sugar Bird