|
|
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.
|
|||