Wild FINCHES - Information 101

Zebra Finches - Photo: Pixabay

There are even individuals who go bird watching elsewhere just to have a glimpse of their majestic beauty. This is why it is not surprising that people catch wild finches and keep them as pets. Putting them in aviaries is perhaps one of the best things you can do for these creatures.

Wild finches are not easy to spot because they roam almost everywhere. As long as they feel safe, it is not impossible for you to find some of them. When you see them, feel lucky because not everyone has that chance to see such wild finches up close. Usually, they would only see them in pictures or in videos circulating the internet.

Listed below are some of the wild finches that you may see flying around you.

• Purple Finches - These birds have a purple-red plumage and are less common than your House Finches.
• Male House Finches - Are birds that have orange-red colors on their heads, upper chest, and shoulders.
• Cassin's Finches - Have the same features as the purple finches and usually live in high places like the coniferous Western North America forests.
• Rosy Finches - These wild finches are usually dark in color, having some patches of rosy feathers in their bellies and rumps.
• Lesser Goldfinches - Such wild finches live in the Southwestern United States and even the West Coast.
• American Goldfinches - Lettuce birds or wild canaries is what people used to call them. They can be quite picky eaters since they want their thistles dry and fresh. If you have a backyard garden, expect to see them because they feed on seeds of dandelions, hollyhock, and zinnia.

Wild finches so adorable, that you may want to own a few. There are plenty of ways on how to take care of them: like building their own aviary, preparing their meals, and the likes. You have to exert extra effort in making sure that everything these birds need you have within arm's reach. Read books and search the internet for other things that you may require to know about these finches.

It does not matter whether you admire wild finches or those in captivity. As long as you want to have them, go for it. Surely, you would be able to admire them at a closer range now that you have them in captivity. More so, you too may have plans of becoming a breeder once you see that your finches are doing okay. The money that you get from selling them can be used for their food. 

At least you would not have to pull out money from your wallet, and you can use the money you get from breeding them. Asking your friends if they want to own a pair of finches can be the start of a successful breeding line for you. Still, find time to admire the wild finches because they are equally attractive as those in captivity.

Grace Hutchings is a World Class Finch Fanatic who loves finches. To learn more about pet finches please go to http://www.petfinchadvice.com. Article Source: EzineArticles

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FINCHES From Galapagos Are Known As DARWIN`S FINCHES

Galapagos Cactus Finch / A Darwin Finch (also known as the Galápagos Finches or as Geospizinae) are a group of 15 species of Passerine birds, now placed in the tanager family rather than the true finch family. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The finches from the Galapagos Islands were part of Darwin's original research on evolution, Darwin spent a great deal of time on the islands studying the finches behavior and evolution. These finches are frequently referred to as Darwin's Finches.

On the Galapagos Islands, you will find thirteen different species of finch. There is some controversy here, as some people report the species count to be fourteen. Each of these species is a direct descendant of one original species of finch that was found on the island. The Galapagos Islands have such varying climates, and temperatures that the little birds had to adapt to the area they lived in whether it be hot or humid.

The biggest adaptation they made was in their beaks. Of the thirteen species of finches found on the islands, you will find different beak structures among them. As years went by, the little bird's beaks evolved to better enable them to eat the food sources most readily available in their habitat. As hard as we work to provide our pet birds with the perfect habitat, and climates, it should amaze us that these little creatures have survived at all. Darwin himself found these little birds to be fantastic adapters to their environment.

All the ground finches, (Small Ground Finch, Medium Ground Finch, Large Ground Finch and Sharp Beaked Ground Finch) have crushing beaks. The Vegetarian Finch also has a crushing beak. While the Tree Finch and the Cactus Finch both have beaks built more for grasping. The Woodpecker Finch and the Warbler Finch, both have beaks suited to probing for their food.

The different species of ground finches use their crushing beaks to pick ticks from tortoises and iguanas for food. They will also kick eggs into rocks and eat the contents of the egg. The Woodpecker Finch will use twigs and cactus spines like tools to dig the larva out of tree branches, one of the only species to use tools.

The Sharp Beaked Ground Finch is often referred to as a vampire. It will land on the backs of the Masked Boobies and peck them to feed on their blood. Rather a vicious little finch.

The thirteen species of finch found on the islands are not considered the brightest or the most colorful of the finch family. In fact, these finches are mostly in shades of grey, black, brown and olive-green.

These amazing little birds manage to survive some extreme and harsh conditions on the islands. Some years there is adequate rainfall and when this occurs there is more than enough food to sustain all the birds on the islands. However, this is not the case every year. Some years the islands are drought stricken and the food is scarce. This is the reason the birds have evolved and adapted to allow them to eat a greater variety of foods. They do not always have the abundance of grass seeds, and their adaptive beaks come in handy.

These compact birds blend into their surroundings very well. They are small like sparrows. The Vegetarian Finch is about the biggest finch on the islands. Their drab colors and quiet mannerisms help to hide them from natural predators.

This is a good thing. The finches from Galapagos are a real treat to see because they are endangered. There are very few of Darwin's Finches left on the islands. Evolution, I guess, can only protect them for so long.

Learn the joy of Finch companionship and how to buy, keep and raise healthy Finches. Come find all the information you need at Galapagos Finches.

By Ralph Siskin I am Ralph Siskin and I have been raising and learning about Finches for quite some time. I love these birds and want to share what I know with other Finch lovers or people just interested in birds. I invite you to come see my site and read my free mini-course on " Top 10 Secrets To Healthy & Happy Finches" by clicking to http://www.FinchesBirdAnswers.com Article Source: EzineArticles

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Little Known Ways to Successfully Setup Your FINCH Bird Feeders

Photo by Dawn Huczek 

Finch bird feeders are a remarkable way of luring finches to your garden. These feeders can get the seed-eating birds right onto your porch if you want. You can choose from a wide array of finch bird feeders. Most bird feeders are specially designed to meet the requirements of a specific type of bird. Finches will definitely benefit from this type of bird feeder.

Finches belong to the family of Fringillidae, under the Phylum Chordata. These birds are easily distinguishable with their medium-built bodies and physically powerful, stumpy beaks. Their manner in flying is somewhat bouncy in nature, thereby, creating a gleeful appearance in the environment. Most finches are good singers as well.

With that in mind, finches are said to be great attractions in one’s backyard. Most finches would love to flock together in various beautifully crafted finch bird feeders. The indistinguishable color (bright red) of the House Finch’s chest and their very genial manners are the ultimate factors that make them feeder darlings. Goldfinches can also enhance your feeding station as they flock hungrily in groups of 30 or more.

Finches are generally seed lovers. They feed on almost any type of seeds but would love to devour on the seeds of trees, such as pine, alder, maple, birch, sweet gum, and spruce. The Nyjer seed is an all-time favorite of feeding finches during the winter season.

Finch bird feeders can accommodate all of these seed types. They come in different styles and types consisting of gazebo feeders, seed finch feeders, and wooden finch feeders.

In general, bird feeders are specially crafted devices set in the backyard or porch to provide bird food to various types of birds. Finch bird feeders are special bird feeders designed to provide seeds to finches since this type of bird are generally seed-eating birds.

Choosing the right type of bird feeder is the number factor in luring birds to flock in the area. The position of the bird feeder, as well as the type of food, will also affect the chances of attracting certain types of birds.

For instance, thistle seed finch feeder will generally attract finches that prefer thistle seeds. Thistle seed finch bird feeder features a drawn-out tube that can hold as much as one quart of thistle seeds. It has a see-through feature, which enables the owner to observe seed level anytime.

Finch bird feeders can also lure other types of birds. Hence, you should not be startled if ever you get to see different types of birds flocked up to your finch bird feeding station. Most finch bird feeders are also best for cardinal birds, redpolls, siskins, and grosbeaks.

To attract beautiful finches in your area, it is important to keep these things in mind:

1. The right position

Setting up a bird feeding station may not be so complicated. However, it is still important to consider some factors to ensure finch-feeding success.

One of the most important factors to consider is the proper positioning of the finch bird feeder. Setting up a finch bird feeding station in your backyard is the ideal place since this is very conducive to most finches. However, it is also recommended that you place your finch bird feeder near your deck or window. In this way, you can easily observe and enjoy watching the finches as they gleefully enjoy their sumptuous meal.

If placing finch bird feeders near the window is not possible, it is best to set the finch bird feeder in an area that is observable from indoors. It is also best to place finch bird feeders near the areas where the finches can easily fly to safety if any danger should take place.

2. Special area for finches

Competition is always at hand whenever there is no specific place for finch bird feeding station. Larger birds may flock the area, thereby, blocking the finches from getting their food. If you have a separate bird feeder for larger birds and a specially made feeder station for the finches, both parties will enjoy their meals as well as you will enjoy their company within your garden.

So the next time you think about setting up finch bird feeder, try to consider these factors to enjoy bird watching. It is definitely one great experience you will never forget.

Lee Dobbins - Article Source: EzineArticles

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What You Need To Know About FINCHES Before Bringing Them Home

A black-headed Gouldian Finch at Frankfurt Zoo, Germany. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Finches are colorful, energetic birds that can be found in many parts of the world. There are different species of finches and about sixteen of them are found in North America. Finches are small birds and their sizes range from 4 inches to 9 inches. Science journals and nature magazines will describe them as having bright feathers and a conical bill.

Colors and Determining Sex

What attracts many pet lovers to finches are their bright colors. Different species of finches have different colors. The American Goldfinch, for example, has predominantly golden feathers, as its name implies. The purple finch has a somewhat purple, reddish color with streaks of black on their wings. According to official finches information, most finches come in brown and green plumage, and you will notice a general lack of white colors. Some breeds of finches are dichromatic, which means you can distinguish the gender by studying their colors. The males usually have bright markings as opposed to the paler colors of the females.

Location

While finches are mostly native to the southern hemisphere, there are plenty of breeds that can be found in North America. In fact, there is a family called the American Rose finches, which includes the purple finch, Cassin's finch, and the House finch. There are finches that migrate to the continental United States at specific periods of the year because of food scarcity and extreme winters. These include the Redpoll and the Pine Grosbeak. You can check more finches information and geography on many authority sites on the internet.

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Feeding

Most finches feed on seeds, particularly the American Goldfinch. They love eating thistle seeds as well as the seeds of spruce and pine. Many aviary journals have complete finches information on specific diets for particular species of finches. Dandelion and chickweed make an excellent meal for tiny birds. You can also feed them eggshells and cuttlefish bone to increase their calcium intake. Make sure to heat the eggshells in order to kill fungi and bacteria. In most cases, your pet finches would be delighted on a simple meal of fruits and vegetables.

Health

Finches have a lifespan of 4 to 8 years. The best way to maximize their lifespan is by giving them the best possible care. It is important to spot signs of illness early on so that you can treat them accordingly. Finches information shows that common illnesses include, swollen eyes, fluffed out feathers, loss of appetite, general lack of energy, etc. Bring the birds to a veterinarian for proper care and attention.

Basic care of your finches includes giving them food and fresh water on a daily basis. It is also important to sanitize the cage at least once a week to avoid the birds catching diseases. You must also place a water bath inside the cage because these birds love dipping in water every now and then as a form of their bathing ritual. Breeding finches is an exciting endeavor but you must have complete finches information to do it successfully. All in all, finches are enjoyable creatures that can brighten up your home life.

By Kevin F. Green - Article Source: EzineArticles

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• The Wild Canary (AMERICAN GOLDFINCH)
• Try bird feeders to enjoy close-up views

The Wild Canary (AMERICAN GOLDFINCH)

Growing up in the Northeast and spending most of my time in the country it was always a big deal to spot certain wildlife. We would drive through the country and try to spot groundhogs, turkeys, and deer. We also looked for hawks and woodpeckers and our favorite types of birds. I was always partial to the Wild Canary which is also known as the American Goldfinch.

American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis,  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Wild Canary is a very pretty bright yellow with a touch of black on their face and wings. However, not all of them display such a splendid yellow hue. Many of them are more of a greenish tint with a hint of brown. We didn't see them all that often so it was a real treat when we did.

This small bird is part of the finch family. In bird terms, it is a 'passerine' bird. The passerines are perching birds and belong to the order of the Passeriformes. This means they have 4 toes with 3 pointed forwards and one backward for gripping and perching.

Passerines make up around 60% of all bird species. The Passerine species are very extensive and very diverse.

Wild Canary Breeding And Diet

The Wild Canaries are monogamous breeders. They breed mostly in cultivated fields full of weeds and in deciduous woodland areas. The number of broods per season is 2.

They feed on berries, floral buds, grass, and the seeds from deciduous trees. They are ground gleaners. The chicks are fed a diet of insects and regurgitated milky seed pulp.

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Nesting And Eggs

The Wild Canary usually makes its nest in the fork of a tree branch. They weave their nests to tightly they will repel water. They build their nests out of pliable vegetation and then line them with plant down. They will make use of spider silk or caterpillar webbing to bind up the nest's outer rim.

While nest construction is going on the males will many times gather nesting materials and bring them to the female who applies them to her home. They prefer to build their nests near water sources. The male will also bring food to the female while she sits the nest. Females might sit on the nest up to 95% of the time being dependent on the male for their food supply.

The males display 'nest-site' tenacity and will defend their nests fervently.

The eggs are of a bluish-white or pale blue color and are unmarked. They measure about 16mm in diameter. The incubation period lasts from 10 to 12 days. The chicks are born Altricial which means no feathers, blind, and totally helpless.

The hatching of the eggs is asynchronous. The older birds tend to nest earlier than the younger.

Wintering For The Wild Canary

These little beauties head south for the winter to Northern Mexico. You can find them all along the coast of Veracruz. They commonly join in with flocks of up to 300 birds during winter migrations.

The Wild Canary has always been, and will always be, something I look forward to seeing and enjoying each and every year.

By Jack C Arnett My name is Jack Arnett. I am a Kentucky native and an avid bird watcher. Article Source: EzineArticles

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ZEBRA FINCHES As Pets

If you've decided to take the plunge and get a few Zebra finches as pets, then bravo to you! This kind of bird makes for a great companion at home. While a lot of other people prefer different kinds of pets to take home, we're loyal to this kind. Why is that? Well, if you read our reasons below, you'll easily see why these birds make great household pets!

Taeniopygia guttata (Zebra finch) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Benefits of Getting Zebra Finches

1. They are a hardy type of bird- Many homeowners get discouraged from keeping birds of any sort in their home because they can be easily affected by different diseases. In truth, a lot of birds really do get sick, and eventually die because of different things that they get from their other birds, or even the environment. Luckily, Zebra Finches birds are not these types of birds. This kind of finch is very resilient and can withstand different sorts of diseases. The immune system of these birds seems to be much stronger compared to other varieties of Finches.

2. These guys are very easy to breed- if your reason for investing in these birds is to eventually breed them, then you will make the right choice by going with these birds. Zebra finches breed much more easily compared to other sorts of finches. In fact, this bird is an excellent variety for the bird breeder who is just starting out. Other Finch owners and breeders have even observed that this variety of Finch has the tendency to breed TOO much, so if you do not want any more of these birds in your home, then it may be best to just get females.

3. They are the easiest to maintain- while it is normal to experience different kinds of problems with other kinds of finches, it is a rarity in the case of the Zebra Finch. These birds are really very easy to maintain, making them the ideal pet for people with busy and active lifestyles, children, and those that live in tiny and limited spaces. What's more, is that this kind of feathered friend does not take up much space, and has a soothing and lovely chirp to boot.

We hope we've stated our case well enough, and you are now inclined to get a Finch of your own. You'll find that keeping these birds in your home can bring much entertainment, amusement, and overall enjoyment!

By Michael M Stanford - Article Source: EzineArticles

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