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Red Eared Waxbill |
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Bird Breeds:
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DESCRIPTION
4 inches (10cm). Mouse-brown with some grey on head, highlighted by crimson
eye line and beak. Underside and throat whitish with pink sheen. Tail
black. Eyes and legs brown. During breeding season, male's red becomes
more intense, and eyebrows become darker. He then displays, holding grass
blade or other small object in his bill, dancing around the female.
NATURAL DISTRIBUTION
Northern Africa from Senegal to Ethiopia.
HABITAT Semi-arid
areas and swamps.
DIET Millet, with various seeds
and live food.
SPECIAL NEEDS
A lot of insect food and fresh bathing water daily. Must be kept indoors
during winter.
CAGE LIFE
Busy bird, with shrill song. At home in indoor and even in large outdoor
aviaries. Towards end of summer, best housed in indoor aviary or large
cage. Prefers to breed in garden aviaries with variety of nest boxes or
builds bullet-shaped nests in hidden area. Lays 3 to 5 eggs, incubation
11 to 12 days, alternately by the male and female for 3 hours each, fledging
14 days, young take food from the parents for a while longer.
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Pet Sites
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