Parrotfinch Family Guide: Care, Species & Breeding Tips

Parrotfinches are small, brightly coloured finches belonging to the genus Erythrura, native to south-east Asia, northern Australia, New Guinea, and some Pacific Islands. Their vivid plumage and social nature make them popular among aviculturists in the UK and worldwide.

These birds primarily eat seeds and enjoy a varied diet including foreign finch mix, wheat, barley, green seeds, fruits such as pear or apple, small millet seeds and canary seed. Soaked seeds and egg food also provide important nutrition.

Blue Faced Parrotfinch

The Blue Faced Parrotfinch (Erythrura trichroa) is commonly kept in captivity. Adults measure 11.5-12cm and originate from New Guinea, Micronesia, Solomon Islands, and parts of northeast Australia, inhabiting montane and moist forests.

They have a mostly green body with a striking bright blue face. Visual sexing is possible as the hens often have more muted feather colours. Captive breeding has produced mutations such as lutino (yellow), sea green, pied and pastel.

Blue Faced Parrotfinches are lively and social but do best in pairs within an enclosure. They can be territorial and disruptive to other breeding pairs, so larger aviaries help maintain harmony.

They can raise up to three clutches a year, laying 3-6 eggs per clutch that incubate for 12-14 days. Young fledge around 21 days and begin weaning by 31 days. Although breeding can start at 4-5 months, waiting until 8-10 months promotes better long-term health.

Red Headed Parrotfinch

The Red Headed Parrotfinch (Erythrura psittacea) is another frequently kept species, native to New Caledonia’s moist forests and shrubland. They measure about 12cm in length with a dark green body and vibrant red head.

Sexing is challenging but males generally have slightly more red on the head and sing a distinctive, prolonged trill. They are inquisitive and active birds that often integrate well into mixed aviaries with other finches and larger birds.

It’s recommended to keep more hens than cocks to reduce breeding disputes, though social behaviour may depend on individual rearing.

They normally produce three clutches annually containing 4-6 eggs. Eggs hatch after 13-14 days; chicks fledge about 21 days later and achieve adult plumage between 3-4 months of age.

Tricoloured Parrotfinch

The Tricoloured or Forbes Parrotfinch (Erythrura tricolor) is smaller, around 9-10cm, and distinguished by blue on the head and breast, green wings and back, and a vivid red tail. Females display duller colours, making visual sexing easier. Colour mutations include sea green, pied, lutino, and pastel.

They come from Indonesia and East Timor, living in tropical dry forests and savannahs. Compared to other parrotfinches, they are shy, typically living in pairs or small family groups.

Breeding habits include using elevated nest boxes with the male courtship involving chasing the female. The hen builds the nest and lays 3-4 eggs, one per day, incubated for 13 days. Chicks fledge between 18-21 days and are fed for around three weeks by parents. Adult plumage appears by 2-4 months.

Pintailed Parrotfinch

The Pintailed Parrotfinch (Erythrura prasina) is larger at 13-15cm, with a blue face, brilliant red breast and tail, and green on the back and wings. Mutations include yellow bellied, sea green, and pied.

This species is less common in captivity due to shy behaviour and breeding difficulties. They prefer to be kept in flocks. When breeding is successful, pairs can have up to three clutches per year with 3-6 eggs incubated for 13-14 days. Fledging occurs at 21-23 days with independence by 28 days. Their adult plumage takes 6-8 months to fully develop.

Other Parrotfinch Species

Additional species of note include:

• Tawny Breasted Parrotfinch (Erythrura hyperythra): Also called Bamboo Parrotfinch, native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, often kept in Australia. Needs bamboo or similar plants in captivity.
• Green Faced Parrotfinch (Erythrura viridifacies): From the northern Philippines, rarely seen in aviculture.
• Fiji Parrotfinch (Erythrura pealii): Endemic to Fiji, nectar feeders best housed as one pair per enclosure.
• Other species include Pink-billed, Royal, Short-tailed, Papuan, and Red-eared Parrotfinches.

Responsible Care and Breeding

Caring for Parrotfinches requires attention to their social and environmental needs. They thrive in spacious aviaries that mimic natural habitats, with plenty of perches and adequate heating if raised in cooler climates.

Nutrition should be varied and balanced to promote health and breeding success. Avoid overcrowding to reduce stress and aggression.

When acquiring parrotfinches, seek reputable breeders who prioritise ethical practices, health screening, and proper socialisation to support the birds’ welfare and longevity.

Conclusion

The Parrotfinch family offers bird enthusiasts an engaging and colourful addition, with species that are generally easy to care for and breed when their requirements are met. Their lively personalities and beautiful plumage make them a joy to watch. With responsible ownership and proper care, these charming finches can thrive in UK aviculture settings.