Gouldian Finches: an interesting (short) video.

[Behind the Aegis]

http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/2589683.htm

I had two, male and female. I lost them in a "murder/suicide." They only produced two chicks. Now, I know why. I also didn't know they were so endangered, only 3,000 left in the wild!

[badgerpup]

1. What beautiful birds!

...and what fascinating info on how the female controls the sex of the offspring!

I like finches...wish I could have birds, but I've got cats (read: successful predators).
Probably not a good combination...:hide:

[Behind the Aegis]

3. I have 25 birds and a cat.

:)

Guess who knows his place? :)

In all honesty, I did keep an eye on Tony when we first brought the finches in the house. He scared two to death. He will still nose around the cages, and we do have them in a different room we close off when not at home or asleep, but, he has learned they are not their for his amusement or snack.

[BrklynLiberal]

2. Very interesting story...They are magnificent birds.

[Behind the Aegis]

4. They really are. Both sexes sing, too.

I could actually handle the female on occasion; she'd sit on my finger (I never tried outside the cage though). The babies are UGLY AS SIN! They look like little alien things.

[BrklynLiberal]

5. I know about how the baby birds look.

I had pigeon nests on my back porch years ago. I realized why no one ever sees baby pigeons. THEY HIDE UNTIL THEY GROW FEATHERS!! Wow. They are UG-LEE!! Look like dinosaurs.

My friend has a pet shop and she has had some baby African Greys...also UG-LEE until they grow feathers....

:rofl:

[Behind the Aegis]

6. Ever seen baby gouldians?

They have these dots inside their mouths that are iridescent. When they open their mouths to be fed, it looks like a weird little alien spider creature. But, boy are the beautiful when full-grown.