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DISTRIBUTION: Moderately common along watercourses and valleys across north Australia. Also in southern New Guinea. |
Crimson Finch |
Distribution Map |
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IDENTIFICATION. LENGTH = 140 mm MALE: Crown dark grey; back and upper wing-coverts grey-olive tinged with crimson; upper tail-coverts bright crimson. Centre of tail dull crimson, remainder dull red-brown. Lores, eyebrows, ear-coverts, side of face, throat and breast crimson; flanks crimson with white spots. Belly and undertail-coverts black (white in Cape York Race). Eye brown-yellow; bill red with base white or blue; legs brown-yellow. FEMALE: Olive-brown above and below, except for dull crimson lores, face, throat, bill and rump. IMMATURES: Mostly grey-brown above, with upper tail-coverts and tail dull crimson. Pale brown below; bill black.
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NESTING. Breeds September-May in Queensland; January-April in Western Australia and Northern Territory. Nest bulky with no entrance tunnel; about 130 mm long, 100 mm high and 140 mm wide; of coarse grass, bark and leaves, lined with feathers; built in pandanus palm but prefers eaves and inside buildings when available. Eggs: five to eight; white; 14 X 12 mm.
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FORMS. Black-bellied Crimson Finch, White-bellied Crimson Finch |
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AVIARY BREEDING. NESTING TYPES: FEEDING: SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Due to the aggressiveness of this bird care should be taken when housing in a mixed aviary. Care should also be taken not to house this species the other form of Crimson Finch.
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| AVIARY SPECIFICATIONS. | WIRE MESH: 1/4 x 1/4 or 6 mm x 6 mm | Also known as mouse wire |
| LENGTH: 11ft 6in or 3575 mm | WIDTH:6ft or 1800 mm | HEIGHT: 8ft or 2400 mm |
| SHED: Half the aviary should be enclosed.
These are recommendations only and individual breeders may have different dimensions and specifications.
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FLOOR: I have found a dirt floor preferable. |
OTHER: |
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BREEDER SUBMISSIONS. |
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| From |
Author
P Campbell
Copyright © 2002 P. Campbell. All rights reserved.
Revised: April 20, 2002
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