Cordon Bleu Finches: Care & Species Guide

The Cordon Bleu family of finches includes five fascinating species, distinct in their appearance but united by their small size, seed-based diet, and the need for live insects during breeding to successfully rear chicks.

Blue Capped Cordon Bleu

The Blue capped Cordon Bleu (Uraeginthus cyanocephalus) hails from eastern Africa, spanning Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Tanzania. Thriving in tropical grassland, shrubland, and desert environments, these finches measure about 5 inches. Males display bright blue caps, while females have duller colouring with less blue on their heads.

In captivity, they consume a mixture of finch seed, weed seeds, and grasses, supplementing with live food like insects to successfully raise their young. They are among the most reliably bred waxbills, building nests in finch boxes or vegetation lined with feathers. Clutches typically contain 4-6 eggs, incubated for 11 days, with chicks fledging around 18 days old.

Red-cheeked Cordon Bleu

The Red-cheeked Cordon Bleu (Uraeginthus bengalus) is native to the drier sub-Saharan regions and adapts to various habitats except forest interiors. They form pairs or small family groups, feeding primarily on seeds and a substantial amount of live food, such as mini mealworms or buffalo worms, especially to nourish chicks.

Males have brown upperparts, with vibrant blue breasts, flanks, and tails, and distinctive red cheek patches absent in females. They require protection from low temperatures due to their perch-roosting habit. Breeding males can be territorial, with 3-6 eggs laid and incubated around 11 days. Chicks fledge between 17 to 19 days old.

Purple Grenadier

The Purple Grenadier (Uraeginthus ianthinogaster) is a striking finch with cinnamon-coloured head and neck, blue eye patches, and purplish-blue body feathers in males. Females exhibit cinnamon brown with white barring and silvery blue eye patches. It inhabits tropical dry shrubland in eastern Africa.

They cohabit peacefully with other finch species except their close Cordon Bleu relatives, between which aggression may occur. These birds require warmth in UK climates, benefiting from being kept indoors or in heated aviaries during colder months. Nests comprise grasses, coconut fibres, and feathers, with 3-5 eggs incubated for 12-14 days; fledging occurs around 21 days. The chicks remain under parental care for two more weeks.

Important: For successful breeding, provide an open nesting pan so parents can visually monitor the mute chicks, encouraging them to feed properly.

Blue Waxbill

Known also as the Blue-breasted Cordon Bleu (Uraeginthus angloensis), this species resides mainly in southern Africa's woodlands and shrubby grasslands. They live in pairs or small flocks, feeding on seeds and insects. Males show light blue faces and upper breasts with brighter belly colouring, whereas females have more brown tones.

Violet Eared Waxbill

The Violet Eared Waxbill (Uraeginthus granatinus) or Common Grenadier occupies drier southern African regions. Males exhibit purple-blue face feathers with red bills and deep brown body plumage, while females are lighter with shorter tails. These birds have high live food requirements year-round and benefit from a softbill specialist diet occasionally.

Not hardy in UK outdoors, they should be kept inside during cold periods or in heated shelter. They exhibit territorial aggression toward their own species and close relatives, requiring separation. Their nests are rounded with grass stems and feathers, with 2-5 eggs incubated for about 13 days; chicks stay in nests up to three weeks. Parents may abandon nests early in colder weather, risking chick survival.

Responsible Ownership and Breeding Tips

While Cordon Bleu finches offer stunning colours and lively behaviour, keeping them requires commitment to their dietary and environmental needs, especially the provision of live insects for breeding success. Always source these birds from reputable breeders who prioritise the health and temperament of their stock. Due to varied aggression levels, carefully plan aviary mates and monitor bird interactions closely.

Conclusion

Caring for Cordon Bleu finches is a rewarding experience enriched by their beautiful plumage and engaging activity. Start with species like the Blue capped or Red-cheeked Cordon Bleu before progressing to more demanding birds like the Purple Grenadier or Violet Eared Waxbill. With proper care and respect for their natural behaviours, these finches can brighten aviaries and provide endless enjoyment for bird enthusiasts.