FINCHES
MY IMPRESSIONS - Owl Finches are one of the most charming birds I have kept. They have an almost insatiable zest for life, moving their compact little bodies almost constantly. If I place a new swinging perch in the cage, they are one of the first to take a flying leap onto it over and over, as if for the shear joy of it. They are like a playful pixie or sprite, which has caused me to name my owls such things as 'Elfie' and 'Fionna'.
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
They are also called in jest the 'kitty-cat' bird for their call, which is like the mew of a cat. Sometimes this call is on two notes, sounding much like the whistle someone makes when they see a beautiful man or woman. What a surprise when first I heard it. I wasn't sure if it was a bird or an admirer.
HISTORY - Like the Gouldian finch, they are from Australia. Their range is larger, though, covering the north and east of Australia. They were first catalogued in 1802. In Australia they are called the Double-Bar Finch and in England the Bicheno Finch.
Owl in flight
APPEARANCE - Their markings are not as colorful as the Gouldian, but they have a striking beauty all their own. The name Owl Finch comes from the bright white, almost silver, mask around their eyes, outlined in black, like that of an owl. The other feather colors are all in shades of gray, white, black and brown. They have unusual glossy, silver beaks. Unlike Gouldians, their chicks fledge looking very much like small versions of their parents, except for a few frizzy baby feathers sprouting from their heads.
Two-month Owl |
Elfie, one-year-old cock |
BEHAVIOR - They are very easy to keep, but can be a challenge to breed, as they require a great deal of privacy to raise chicks. Peaceful birds, they are a welcome addition to any aviary or collection of finches. Please explore the links page to learn more about them and see additional photos.
Pair of two-month-old Owls
Juvenile Owls with adult in center. Compare them and you will be able to notice the difference between adult and juvenile owls. Juveniles are not as clearly colored out and a little smaller.
BREEDING- Owls can be tricky to breed. They need lots of privacy and quiet. Place them in an area of your house where people do not often frequent. I also place curtain around their cages on 3 sides and on the front just leaving the feeding door open. First time parents may be spooked and not breed or toss their newborn chicks. You can try to foster them out, but be sure you do it to societies of zebras who have never bred before. The feeding peeps of owl finch newborns are so quiet that birds may not recognize when they need to be fed and by then it is too late. But often you'll be surprised when the babies start peeping and are being fed by the parents. Give them lots of eggfood and soaked seed, described on my Housing/Diet page. And be sure they always have baked eggshells available. See Diet on the same page for specific instructions for breeding birds.
Please e-mail me if this site does not function optimally.
|
 OWL
FINCHES |
|
|
||||
