Cuban Finch
(Tiaris canora)
Also known as: Cuban grassquit, Melodious grassquit.
DESCRIPTION
Size 100mm.
Male: The upper parts are a yellowish green leading into a grey crown. There is a ruff of bright yellow extending on each side of the neck up to above the eye. The abdomen is dark grey though the lower breast is black.
Female: The hen is duller and the yellow areas of the cock bird are replaced by chestnut brown.
GENERAL NOTES
This finch has the reputation of being pugnacious to its own kind. It is best to house a single pair to an aviary, unless the aviary is very large and well planted. Cubans are closely related to the Olive Finch, with which they're likely to hybridise. They are suitable in a mixed collection providing a careful watch is kept on their attitude to the other birds. Also remove the young as soon as they can fend for themselves, so as to stop the cock bird attacking and possibly killing its own young. These birds can be bred without live food, but they will have much better results if an ample supply is given. They will also continue to breed throughout the year if permitted so a rest period is good for the hen.
FEEDING
The normal finch mix should be provided and this finch likes green seeding heads as well as a good supply of green food such as lettuce. As well the Cuban Finch likes to have access to some fruit, and during the breeding season does best with some live food. As always a supply of grit and fresh water is essential.
NESTING
The Cuban usually builds a large dome-shaped nest in brush or a shrub; it is made from grass and fibres, and then lined with feathers and extra fine fibres. The entrance may be low down. The 3 eggs are a pale bluish-green speckled with reddish-brown to varying degrees. These eggs are incubated for 12 days with the young fledging between 13-16 days, though they feed for a further 10-14 days.
REPRODUCED BY KIND PERMITION OF THE QUEENSLAND FINCH SOCIETY inc.
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