Blue-faced Parrot Finch

DISTRIBUTION:

Blue-faced Parrot Finch Male

Distribution Map

IDENTIFICATION.

LENGTH = 120 mm

MALE: Upper parts grass green; rump and upper tail-coverts dull scarlet; tail olive-brown edged with dull scarlet. Face and front of head cobalt-blue; underparts light grass-green with golden-olive tinge on thighs. Eye dark brown; bill black; legs and feet brown.

FEMALE: Duller that male, with less blue on head. 

IMMATURES: Dull green all over; bill pale grey.

NESTING. 

Two breeding records: March and November. Nest pear-shaped with side entrance, 250 mm long, 150 mm wide X 150 mm high. Made of moss and vines, lined with dead grass; placed in trees and shrubs. Eggs: four; pure white; 15 X10 mm. Incubation 12-14 days.

FORMS. 

There is only the one form of Blue-faced Parrot Finch.

AVIARY BREEDING.

NESTING TYPES: I have found that these birds will nest almost anywhere although they will usually prefer a nest box. I have seen these birds build nests in tea tree branches and planted trees also bamboo stands. Best results have been from wire netting tubes filled loosely with grass and also nest boxes 150 mm square X 125 mm high with a 40 mm access hole in the front and a small landing platform just below the entrance.  (See the Plans page for more information) 

FEEDING: A general finch mix is ideal for this bird. Birds will also readily take seeding grasses and live food. However I have had seen these birds breed successfully with just a mixed seed diet. Egg and biscuit will also be taken readily. 

OTHER FEEDS: Cuttlebone and shell grit should be supplied at all times.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: There are no special requirements for this species. However care should be taken not to house this species with members of the Parrot-finch family such as the Red-faced Parrot Finch

These are recommendations only and individual breeders may have different dimensions and specifications.