Violet Eared Waxbill
The Violet Eared Waxbill, also known as the Purple-eared Waxbill, is a small bird species that are native to southern Africa. It is named for its striking violet-colored ear coverts, which are the feathers that cover the ears.
Violet Eared Waxbills are typically found in grasslands and savannas, where they feed on a variety of seeds and insects. They are social birds and are often seen in small flocks, but they can also be found in pairs during the breeding season.
In captivity, Violet Eared Waxbills are popular pets due to their beautiful colors and active personalities. They require a spacious aviary with plenty of room to fly and exercise, as well as perches, toys, and other forms of stimulation. They also need a balanced diet that includes a variety of seeds, fruits, and vegetables, as well as live insects.
Violet Eared Waxbills are known for their energetic behavior and their musical and melodious songs. They can be kept in mixed-species aviaries with other small birds, but it is important to ensure that they are housed with compatible species that share their gentle nature.
Scientific Name: Granatina gratings
Origin: West and South Africa
Try to gain experience with other, more easily managed waxbill types before keeping the Violet-Eared Waxbill. Although its feathers are rather soft, a bird in good condition exhibits well. Only one pair should be kept in a mixed collection, since the cock is aggressive with other cock birds of his kind, although tolerant of other birds.
Description:
Size: 13 cm (5 in)
COCK:
Body: dark rich brown. Forehead and rump: deep violet-blue. Underparts: chestnut. Cheeks: violet. Tail: black. Beak: red. Legs: black.
HEN:
Similar, but lighter on the head, back, and underparts. Cheeks: very pale violet, so this bird can be sexed fairly easily. Hens are often in short supply.
Diet: (Seedeater)
The Violet-eared Waxbill is a small, active bird species that require a balanced diet to maintain good health. In the wild, they primarily feed on seeds, but they also consume insects, fruits, and other plant material. As a pet, a varied diet is essential to provide the necessary nutrients for their well-being.
- Seed Mix: A good quality seed mix should form the base of a Violet-eared Waxbill’s diet. The mix should include a variety of small seeds, such as millet, canary seed, and nyjer seed. You can also add small amounts of sunflower seeds and safflower seeds to provide a source of fat.
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Violet-eared Waxbills enjoy a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Some good options include grated carrots, apples, pears, spinach, and broccoli. Offer these in small quantities every day to provide a source of vitamins and minerals.
- Egg Food: Egg food is a high-protein supplement that can be offered to Violet-eared Waxbills during breeding season or when they are molting. You can make your own egg food by mixing hard-boiled eggs with breadcrumbs, grated carrots, and a small amount of honey.
- Live Food: Live food such as mealworms and waxworms can be offered to Violet-eared Waxbills as a source of protein. These can be purchased from pet stores or online retailers.
- Grit and Calcium: Grit and calcium supplements are important for maintaining a healthy digestive system and strong bones. You can provide a separate dish of grit and crushed oyster shell for your Violet-eared Waxbill to access as needed.
It’s important to remember to provide fresh food and water daily and to clean food and water dishes regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria. By offering a varied and balanced diet, you can ensure that your Violet-eared Waxbill stays healthy and happy.
Violet-Eared Waxbill Breeding:
The Violet-eared Waxbill is a small, colorful bird species found in parts of Africa. They are a popular choice among bird enthusiasts due to their striking appearance and charming personality. If you are interested in breeding Violet-eared Waxbills, there are several things you should keep in mind.
- Housing and Environment: Violet-eared Waxbills are social birds and should be housed in pairs or small groups. A spacious aviary with ample room for flight and exercise is essential. The aviary should be equipped with perches, nest boxes, and plenty of covers in the form of bushes or foliage. The temperature should be kept between 68-78°F (20-25°C), and the humidity should be between 40-60%.
- Diet: A balanced diet is essential for breeding Violet-eared Waxbills. A good quality seed mix, fresh fruits and vegetables, and egg food are recommended. Live food such as mealworms and waxworms can also be offered during the breeding season.
- Breeding: Breeding Violet-eared Waxbills is relatively easy. The birds reach sexual maturity at around six months of age. The male will court the female by performing a song and dance routine. Once the female accepts the male, she will begin to build a nest in a suitable location such as a nest box or dense foliage. The female will lay four to six eggs, which will hatch after 11-14 days. The chicks will fledge after around three weeks and can be fed a diet of softened seed, egg food, and live food.
- Health: Violet-eared Waxbills are generally hardy birds but can be susceptible to respiratory infections and parasites. Regular health checks and preventative measures such as parasite control are recommended. A clean environment with fresh food and water is also essential for maintaining good health.
Breeding Violet-eared Waxbills can be a rewarding experience for bird enthusiasts. By providing a suitable environment, a balanced diet, and good health care, you can enjoy the beauty and charm of these delightful birds.
Violet Eared Waxbill Information
- The bird is extensively found in Southern Africa. The natural habitat of the bird consists of dry thorny areas, bushes, open grasslands, and even found in scrubby regions along streams. The bird can also inhabit places that are far from the source of water. Under such conditions,, the bird is known to be feeding on termites as an alternative to moisture.
- Bird is not hardy enough to cope with the cold winter of the temperate climate. So, during the winter months, you are recommended to keep the bird inside the house. If the bird is kept in an aviary, it should have proper heating accommodation.
To help the bird to build their nests, you may provide them with nest-building materials like grass, soft feathers, and such. The entrance of the nest is lined with feathers with a rudimentary porch. Breeding of the bird in cold regions is quite difficult because the parents may abandon the chicks in the nest and slip out of the nest to seek warm surroundings.
See more: Masked Grass Finch