Blue-faced Parrotfinch

Blue-faced Parrotfinch key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

6-9 years

Size

About 13cm

Diet

Mixed seed, spray millet, greens, small livefood, fruit

Cage

Its strong urge to move means caged birds damage their plumage, so provide an aviary or a large flight cage.

Temperament

Peaceable and gregarious, though it defends the area around the nest when breeding, so mixing needs space.

Vocalization

Calls are thin and high and the song short and modest, so volume is never an issue.

Notes

Besides grass seed it takes bamboo seed, insects and fruit, so do not rely on seed alone; add greens and livefood.

About Blue-faced Parrotfinch

Blue-faced Parrotfinch: a green-bodied, blue-faced finch with a red rump from northeastern Australia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. Active and best suited to aviary housing, it's considered a species for keepers with some experience.

7 things to know before welcoming a Blue-faced Parrotfinch

1. 1Needs a Spacious Aviary

   Blue-faced Parrotfinches are highly active and don't do well in small cages. Provide a roomy aviary where they have space to fly and move around freely.

2. 2Watch the Temperature

   Coming from tropical and subtropical regions, this species is sensitive to cold. Provide heating in winter and avoid sudden temperature swings.

3. 3Striking Green-and-Blue Plumage

   The combination of a deep green body, vivid blue face, and red rump is the bird's main appeal. The plumage can look different depending on how the light hits it.

4. 4Does Well in Small Flocks

   This species naturally forms flocks, and keeping several birds together tends to bring out more natural behavior than housing a single bird alone. Still, watch how individuals get along with each other.

5. 5Diet Centers on Seed and Greens

   A mixed finch seed forms the base of the diet, supplemented with leafy greens and some insects for balance. Avoid letting the diet become too one-sided.

6. 6An Intermediate-Level Bird

   Between temperature management and the need for adequate space, this species asks for more attention than a beginner bird. It suits keepers with some prior experience.

7. 7Not Prone to Bonding with People

   This is a bird kept for the beauty of its flock behavior and plumage, not one typically hand-tamed or trained to perch on a finger. Plan to enjoy it from a respectful distance.

Frequently asked questions about Blue-faced Parrotfinch

Q.Is the Blue-faced Parrotfinch suitable for beginners?

A.It's generally considered a species for intermediate keepers, since it needs careful temperature management and a fairly spacious enclosure. Prior bird-keeping experience is helpful.

Q.How big does this bird get?

A.Adults reach about 13cm in length, a fairly typical size among small finches.

Q.Can it be kept in a regular cage?

A.Because it's so active, a small cage isn't ideal. A spacious aviary is recommended instead.

Q.Can it be kept with other birds?

A.It naturally forms flocks with its own kind, so keeping several together works well. Mixing with other species should be done carefully, watching how individuals get along.

Q.Is the Blue-faced Parrotfinch subject to CITES?

A.No, the Blue-faced Parrotfinch is not subject to CITES.

Useful tools for Blue-faced Parrotfinch care

Learn more about Blue-faced Parrotfinch in the encyclopedia

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