The Red-throated Parrot Finch
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| Red-throated Parrot Finch11,13,23 | |
| Erythrura psittacea | |
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| Parrot finch | |
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| Hardiness: | Somewhat hardy |
| Reproduction: | Fairly prolific |
| Singing ability: | Fair |
| Compatibility: | Passive, mixes well with other passive species
[Compatibility Chart] |
| Size: | 4¾" (12 cm) |
| Approx. cost: | $150-250 (US) per pair |
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Other common names
Red-headed Parrot Finch, Red-headed Parrotfinch, Red throated Parrotfinch, Red-throated Parrotfinch, Red-throated Parrot-Finch
Origin
New Caledonia, an island about 800 miles off the Queensland coast.
Area of distribution
Over the entire island of New Caledonia.
Disposition
Lively, inquisitive, peaceful.
Physical descriptions
Both the cock and hen are a bright, solid grassy green with a bright red head, throat, rump and tail. The beak is black and the legs are brownish horn. The juvenile is a more drab green with orange-carmine on its rump and tail and a hint of red on its head and throat. The juvenile's bill is at first amber yellow with a dark tip.
Mutations include pied and seagreen (this mutation causes the green areas to become seagreen and the red areas to become more orange in color).
Sexing
The cock will sing a longer more drawn out trill than the hen. The cock may have slightly more red on top of his head, but this method of sexing is often unreliable.
Song
The song is described as a simple strophe composed of numerous repetitions of a single element.
Pictures
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submit your photo for possible inclusion on this site! Credit will be given to you.
Bathing parrot finches.
Favorite foods
Live food (cooked
mealworms, ant pupae, flying termites, crickets), small millet, some fruits (apples, oranges, figs),
egg food, green food.
Natural habitat
Grassland, open areas with some shrubbery, plantations, gardens, forest edge.
Habits
When not breeding, these parrot finches live in groups.
Special considerations
Because these birds may be prone to obesity and stress when housed in a cage, they should be kept in larger enclosures such as spacious aviaries. Larger enclosures with open areas will allow you to witness their fast and agile flight. These birds are sensitive to the cold and do best if housed at temperatures above 65° F (18° C). They are very fond of bathing and should be provided with regular bathing opportunities. Fertile hybrids have been reported between this species and the blue-faced parrot finch (
E. trichroa), so be careful when housing these species together.
Breeding season
They may breed year-round.
Breeding tips
Nests may be built in hollow logs, within nest boxes, in trees, shrubs, under overhanging clumps of grass, or in recesses of buildings. Materials used include long grass stalks, long leaves, and coconut fiber. Feathers are often used to line the inside of the egg chamber. Both sexes engage in nest construction; mating usually takes place inside of the nest. Both members of the pair will incubate the eggs and roost together in the nest at night. Breeding birds should be offered a wide variety of food including
live food and
egg food. The parents may not accept animal proteins until their chicks hatch, but will use these foods for rearing purposes. Chicks hatch with luminous gape tubercles which act to reflect light and help the parents find the hungry mouths in the dark of the nest. The parents cease brooding the chicks when they reach 9 days of age. Once they have fledged, the young do not tend to return to the nest to roost at night.
Life Cycle
| Clutch size: | 4-6 eggs |
| Hatch date: | After 13-14 days of incubation |
| Fledge date: | At 21 days of age |
| Wean date: | Around 5 weeks of age |
| Sexual maturity: | Although Parrot Finches may become sexually mature around 3-4 months of age, many breeders recommend waiting until the birds are at least 6-9 months of age before breeding them |
Related Article(s)
If you own this species and would like to write an article about your experiences with them for this page, please
submit your article for possible inclusion on this site. Credit will be given to you!
Red-throated Parrot Finches
- Introductory article by Bruce Dixon.