Black-headed Greenfinch (Chloris ambigua)
| Black-headed Greenfinch Chloris ambigua | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Black-headed Greenfinch |
| Name Lat. | Chloris ambigua |
| Synonym | Carduelis ambigua |
| Family | Finches and Allies |
| Family lat. | Fringillidae |
| Order | Perching Birds |
| Order lat. | Passeriformes |
| Origin | Asia |
| Climate | Temperate - subtropical |
| Diet | Woodland Bird seed, veggies, fruits, buds |
| Keeping | Pair, group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cup nest |
| Life Span | 6-10 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 13 cm |
| Temperature | Room temperature |
| Housing | 80 x 40 x 40 cm |
| US Units | |
| Size | 5.1" |
| Temperature | Room temperature |
| Housing | 30" x 15" x 15" |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution range of the Black-headed Greenlings extends from southeastern Tibet through Yunnan (China) and northern Burma to Laos and Vietnam. They live in open conifer and mixed forests in mountainous areas between 1,200 and 3,000 m altitude, in the winter months also in lower altitudes. Today they are only offered as a cultivated form.
Cage size
The minimum cage size is 80 x 40 x 40 cm (L x W x H) for a pair. The cage size must not be undercut even in case of justified single keeping. For an additional 2 birds, species compatibility provided, the floor space must be increased by 25%. The cage must be placed in a bright, draught-free and quiet place at a height of at least 80 cm (except aviaries), have a rectangular base and be opaque on three sides, aviaries on one side. Keeping in an aviary is preferable.
Maintenance
The ground must be covered with sand, leaves, wood granulate, bark mulch or similar material and must be cleaned regularly. They need perching, hiding, roosting, and nesting opportunities, as well as biotope-like furnishings with grasses, shrubbery, and natural plantings (e.g., conifers). At least 3 perches made of wood or branches of different thickness and height must be installed in such a way that they can only be reached by flying and that the longest possible flight distance is created. Bathing facilities must be available at all times. The room temperature should not fall below 15 °C.
Diet
The species-specific feed consists of mixed seeds, available in specialized trade as "forest bird mixed feed" in premium quality, supplemented with spruce and conifer seeds, in addition cob millet, green millet, chickweed, dandelion, berries, buds and especially when rearing young, various germinated seeds, insects and insect larvae (ant pupae, small buffalos). Charcoal, vitamine lime, cuttlefish and shell grit are needed as digestive aids. Drinking water must always be available in birdbaths or in stable, open containers and, like food, must be offered fresh daily in clean containers.
A varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Reproduction and breeding
The sexes are easily distinguished, the male has a black head, only the throat is yellow, while the female has gray head plumage and generally paler colors.
They like to breed in open brushwood-covered cup-shaped nest bases made of mesh (wire baskets, emperor's nests, nesting blocks) in biotope-like planting. Sisal, coconut fibers, small roots, sharpie, grasses are suitable as nesting material. The clutch consists of 4-5 eggs, the incubation period is about 13 days. The incubation period is, biologically speaking, from March to September when kept in open-air aviaries.
Important
The birds may only be kept in pairs or groups. During the breeding season, the Black-headed Grebes should only be kept in pairs, due to their aggressive behavior towards birds of the same species.
Keeping in a round cage is not allowed. For keeping in a group, an aviary is required.
They may be kept year-round in outdoor aviaries (minimum height 1.70 m), provided that a dry and draft-free shelter or a covered, protected aviary section is available to them. The facilities must be the same as those for cages.
In rooms, sufficient daylight or flicker-free artificial light (stroboscopic effect), corresponding to the light spectrum of natural sunlight, must be provided. The lighting duration must be between 8 and 14 hours per day. The day-night rhythm must be observed. An adequate indoor climate must be provided. The health condition of the birds must be checked daily.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Othmar Sieberer; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1995): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Kleinvögeln; CLASSEN & MASSOTH (1992): Handbuch der Cardueliden, Band 2, Hanke Verlag
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF