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African Silverbill |
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Bird Breeds:
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DESCRIPTION
4l/2 inches (llcm). Sandy/taupe brown with subdued whitish
stripes, darker on wings and tail, lighter on belly and undertail coverts.
No visible distinction between sexes.
NATURAL DISTRIBUTION
West and central Africa, in four subspecies.
HABITAT
Savannahs, farmland and near villages, often nest under roofs, in walls
of huts or in low shrubs.
DIET Greens,
millet and especially spray millet as a treat.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Do not disturb the
African Silverbill while breeding,
even for nest control. Place in unheated area indoors during winter.
CAGE LIFE
African Silverbill
Male has soft musical song. Best breeding
results in aviaries by themselves, but can also be placed in community
aviaries or large cages. Lays 3 to 4 eggs, incubation 12 to 15 days
by both sexes, fledging 21 days. Fifteen to 21 young in a season from
one pair is common, but three broods per year produce best young and
lower risk of egg binding. Also make suitable foster parents for finches
that don't require insects.
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