Strawberry Finch

The strawberry finch is an attractive sparrow-sized bird, originating from Asia. Characterized with colorful plumage, a vivid red bill, and a rounded black tail, it is a popular choice in aviculture. With rapid wing beats, they prefer to fly in small flocks, descending into clumping grasses, where they are not spotted easily. Unlike the females, the males sport a scarlet breeding plumage (during April-November).

Strawberry Finch

Scientific Classification
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Estrildidae
Genus	Amandava
Scientific Name	Amandava amandava

Quick Information
Other Names	Red Munia, Tiger Finch, Strawberry Waxbill, Amaduvade, Avadavat, Red Avadavat
Size	9-10 cm (3-4 inches) in length
Weight	Approximately 9 g (0.3 oz)
Color	Males: deep mahogany brown back and top of head along with scarlet belly, chest, throat, and sides of head; black tail with white spots on tail coverts, wings, and flanksFemales: Brown-gray upper body, yellow-gray color spanning from underbelly to undertail, few white spots on plumage
Distribution	Throughout Asia including Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Java, Cambodia; parts of Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, China
Habitat	Flat plains with crops or tall grasses, located near water
Song	A true, sweet, flute-like song
Clutch	4-6 Eggs
Brooding time	11-14 days from incubation
Fledging	20 days of age
Lifespan	7-10 years
Sexual Maturity	8 months of age
Diet	Feed on grass seeds and insects like termites
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern

Mutations

amandava amandava
amandava flavidiventris
amandava punicea
amandava decouxi

Strawberry Finch Pictures

Pet care

Although it is reasonably hardy when acclimatized, proper care is necessary for keeping them healthy.

Cage setup

They do best if kept in large planted aviaries (3 meters long) containing mixed species of birds. Large, well-ventilated flight cages with adequate room containing a breeding pair can be used if the owner wants them to rear their young. Place a piece of paper on the bottom and use it as a substrate. Good softwood perches measuring 0.3-0.75 inches in diameter should be placed horizontally in the enclosure, helping them to wear their claws down naturally.

Strawberry Finch Cage Setup

Nest

Finch nest boxes can be placed inside the aviaries to provide the bird with a hiding place. Red avadavats also accept materials like coconut fiber, long grasses, light colored feathers, and charred wood for building their nests, which give them the place to incubate.

Strawberry Finch Nest

Temperature

During winter, strawberry finches should be provided with supplemented heat, as they are at risk of induced melanism. To maintain their vivid plumage in molts, they need adequate moisture and exposure to sunshine.

Temperament

They are particularly defensive of their nests and become aggressive to members of similar species. When kept in mixed aviaries, their number should not exceed that of other bird species.

Strawberry Finch Photos

Strawberry Finch Images

Feeding

These birds prefer feeding on green leafy vegetables, fruits, as well as Finch mixes containing seeding grasses and millets. Small mealworms, fruit fly larva, and waxworms can be offered regularly by mixing them with soft food. Grit, cuttlebone, and fresh water should be provided at all times.

Strawberry Finch Eggs

Male and Female Strawberry Finch

Exercise

Since adequate movement is necessary for their well-being, flight and cage accessories should be kept to a minimum, allowing them free movement. Spacious cages and aviaries also allow the birds to flap from one perch to another.

Bathing

Shallow dishes containing fresh bathing water should be kept in the enclosure, allowing the birds to keep themselves clean and free from infections.

Strawberry Finch Bird

Health Problems

The red avadavat is susceptible to two bird lice species, Myrsidea amandava and Brueelia amandava as well as to viruses like paramyxovirus. An experienced vet should be consulted to adopt a proper treatment program in case of any health problems.

Price

You will need to spend $80-$100 for a pair of strawberry finches.

Interesting Facts

In the past, strawberry finches were sold abroad from the Indian city of Ahmedabad, from which the common name “avadavat” and species name “amandava” are derived.
Birds of the same flock preen each other, disarranging the head feathers in temptation.
They generally produce a unique low note “pseep” call in their flight for communication, while aggressive behavior is displayed with a shrill call.
When entering breeding season, the chest of hens develop a yellowish-orange shade with the tail feathers becoming darker.