Care Guide for Cut-Throat & Red-headed Finches

The Cut-throat finch and the Red-headed finch are the only two members of the genus Amadina, part of the Estrildid family of exotic finches. Though closely related, these species are visually distinct and should ideally be housed separately to prevent crossbreeding, as hybrids are fertile and display mixed colour traits. Responsible ownership means keeping these species apart to maintain breed integrity.

Identifying the Finches and Their Differences

The Cut-throat finch (Amadina fasciata) is noted for the bright red band across the throat on males, while females lack this marking. Their plumage is pale sandy brown with delicate black flecks, a black-brown tail, and a chestnut brown belly. Adults usually measure about 12-13cm in length. Several captive bred colour mutations exist, including yellow bands and pastel varieties.

The Red-headed finch (Amadina erythrocephala) is slightly larger, around 13cm, and the males are known for their distinctive bright red head feathers, contrasting with the Cut-throat's throat band. Females lack the red markings and instead have more subdued browns and white spots on their chest.

Housing and Environment

Both species thrive in large indoor or outdoor aviaries but should avoid smaller breeding cages except during breeding season for Cut-throat finches. They adapt well to the British climate if provided with protected, frost-free night shelters. The Red-headed finch prefers greenery in their habitat and typically lives sociably in colonies, unlike Cut-throats which can become aggressive during breeding and better do well separated at that time.

Dietary Needs and Preventing Egg-binding

Both finches are primarily seed eaters. Their diet should include a good finch seed mix supplemented with millet spray, green foods, egg food, insect paste, and sprouted seed. Grit or bird sand must always be available to aid digestion.

Egg-binding is a common health concern, especially for Cut-throat finches, due to calcium depletion linked to the large egg size relative to the bird. To reduce the risk, provide access to calcium-rich grit and bird sand, and consider adding liquid calcium supplements to their water during breeding periods to support strong eggshell formation.

Breeding and Nesting

Both species typically lay 4-8 eggs that are incubated by both parents for about 12-14 days. Cut-throat finches favour half-open finch boxes or basket-style nests around 4x5 inches with a height of about 6 inches. Their chicks fledge about a month after hatching and continue to be fed by parents for another two weeks.

Red-headed finches prefer to use abandoned nests from other birds or finch nest boxes, sometimes building a globular nest with a tunnel entrance scattered with loose strands to deter potential predators. They are more sociable breeders and tolerate living in multiple pairs within a colony.

Special Behaviour Notes

Cut-throat finches may be more aggressive or territorial at breeding times and are sometimes separated to protect more delicate species. Outside breeding season, they usually cohabit well with similar sized birds.

Red-headed finches are calmer and notable for their rare mimicking ability among finches, sometimes even mimicking human speech. They tend to be easily managed and generally don’t require nest inspections to avoid disturbances.

Conclusion

Both Cut-throat and Red-headed finches make fascinating and attractive aviary birds. Responsible care includes providing diverse diets, appropriate housing, and careful management during breeding to prevent health issues such as egg-binding. Observing their behaviour and nutritional needs supports healthy breeding and a thriving aviary.