Estrilda caerulescens

ORIGIN:

They are found in tropical western Africa, preferring open and semi-arid grassland with scattered shrubs for cover and nesting. Sometimes they will be found in gardens.

DIET:

As with most estrildids, this species feeds mainly on the small seeds of fine grasses and is able to use one foot to hold the stems down while harvesting. Reminiscent of a primate when it "climbs" up and down strong grass stems searching for aphids. Also fond of small insects such as termites which may be caught on the wing.

SPECIFIC FEATURES

Sexes are monochromatic and monomorphic, although some hens have fewer and smaller white spots on the thighs. Usually observed in small flocks of up to 12 individuals. Young, who appear almost identical to their parents upon fledging, may remain with their parents well past adulthood.

Prefers to roost in old nests or closely- packed colonies in dense growth, their dark coloring offering excellent camouflage. A quite species they are, nevertheless, always on the go, their delicate tails constantly flicking from side to side.

REPRODUCTION

They often nest in open densely intertwined branch structures of trees. Uses wiry grasses for the superstructure that is lined with fine grasses and feathers. 4-6 white eggs are incubated 13 days by both parents. Young are fed mainly insects for the first few days, then on green, milky grass seeds until fledging at about 23 days of age.

LAVENDERS IN CAPTIVITY

HABITAT DESIGN

A species of more forested regions than most other waxbills. Prefers tall varieties of dry conifer or other small-leafed foliage for both roosting and nest building. A highly terrestrial species, spending less time on the ground and more time higher up in trees and high bushes. Though there should be ample surface water avail able, the basic substrate should be of a sandy, dry material as the species is especially prone to parasitic infestations that thrive in damp soils.

A social species, Lavenders are usually found in small family parties rather than as single pairs, even in the breeding season. May be fiercely territorial of their nest site, but this usually only includes a fee feet around the actual nest itself. Otherwise, they like to roost in small flocks and spend a great deal of time throughout the day involved in allo-preening (including non-mates). Will peacefully interact with fire, orange-cheeked, and other gentle species of waxbills and may interbreed if suitable mates are not available.

DIET:

Dependent on small termit, especially during the breeding season. Prone to feather plucking which has been attributed to crowding (ex: no more than 4 pairs in I 50 square feet) and a low protein content in the diet. Soaked and sprouted spray millet is eagerly taken at all times of the year and may help to bring birds into breeding condition. Small, fine millets and some canary grass seed are the most readily taken forms of dry food. Some will learn to relish small amounts of soaked Zu- Preem while they are raising young.

BREEDING:

Most captive success has been when the birds have a high platform of twigs and even driftwood near or at the top of the enclosure. Long, straight, course grass stems are used to construct the basic form with finer grass stems and panicles, plant fibers, and light-colored feathers being used to line the interior. The male while holding a blade of grass in his bill and hopping up and down for the hen utters an almost inaudible song. This is the best method of visually sexing the birds, although it is not perfect because even though the bird hopping and singing is most certainly a male, the focus of his attention is not guaranteed to be a female, depending on supply and demand. Young may be safely left with adults into maturity keeping in mind the issue of crowding.