Red-throated Parrotfinch

Red-throated Parrotfinch key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

6-10 years

Size

11-12cm

Diet

Mixed seed, spray millet, greens, small livefood

Cage

A strong flier, it needs a wide, deep cage, and planting plus nest material encourages it to breed.

Temperament

Peaceable and gregarious, it mixes well with other small finches, and domestically bred birds are readily available in Japan.

Vocalization

Only the male sings, giving a long sustained thin phrase, and this is the practical way to sex the birds.

Notes

With fourteen days of incubation and twenty to twenty-two days in the nest, broods come fast, so remove nest material to stop pairs exhausting themselves.

About Red-throated Parrotfinch

The Red-throated Parrotfinch is a parrotfinch native to New Caledonia, with an emerald-green body and a vivid red mask across its face and throat. Adults grow to about 11–12 cm, are considered beginner-friendly, and are commonly bred in Japan.

7 things to know before welcoming a Red-throated Parrotfinch

1. 1Cage & Housing

   At just 11–12 cm long, Red-throated Parrotfinches still appreciate a roomy cage with several perches at different heights. They're natural climbers and enjoy a layout that lets them move both horizontally and vertically.

2. 2Watch the Temperature

   As a species from a warm climate, they're sensitive to sudden temperature swings. Keep the room warm and stable, especially in winter, to help them stay healthy.

3. 3Calm, Gentle Temperament

   These finches are generally calm and tame relatively easily, making them approachable for first-time keepers. That said, they can startle easily, so place the cage somewhere quiet and settled.

4. 4Diet: Seed Mix Plus Extras

   Their staple diet is a finch seed mix, supplemented with greens and cuttlebone or mineral grit for balanced nutrition. Rotate the menu periodically to avoid nutritional gaps.

5. 5Well Suited to Breeding

   This species has a strong record of successful breeding within Japan, and pairs often do well together. If you're considering breeding, prepare a nest box and review nutritional needs in advance.

6. 6Modest Vocalizations

   Their calls are fairly quiet, making them a reasonable choice even in apartments. Still, individual birds vary, so it's worth checking a bird's vocal habits before bringing one home.

7. 7Before You Bring One Home

   Set up the cage, perches, feeders, and water dishes ahead of time. Keep things calm right after arrival to help your new bird settle in with minimal stress.

Frequently asked questions about Red-throated Parrotfinch

Q.What is the Red-throated Parrotfinch's temperament like?

A.Most individuals are calm and become tame fairly easily. They can startle easily, though, so a quiet, settled environment helps them feel secure.

Q.Is this a good choice for beginners?

A.Yes, it's generally considered a beginner-friendly species. Attentive basic care around temperature, diet, and cleanliness makes it manageable even for first-time bird keepers.

Q.How big do they get as adults?

A.Adults typically reach about 11–12 cm in length. Choose a cage and perches sized appropriately for a small bird.

Q.Can they be housed with other birds?

A.Their generally calm temperament means mixed housing has been done successfully. Compatibility varies by individual, though, so introduce any companions gradually and watch how they get along.

Q.Are there any legal regulations to be aware of?

A.The Red-throated Parrotfinch is not subject to CITES.

Useful tools for Red-throated Parrotfinch care

Learn more about Red-throated Parrotfinch in the encyclopedia

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