
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Amandava amandava
An Asian estrildid in which the breeding male turns deep red spangled with white spots. Outside the breeding season he moults into a dull brown plumage resembling the female.
The red avadavat (Amandava amandava) is a small estrildid finch of grassland and wetland margins from South to Southeast Asia. It is 9-10.5 cm long, with a rounded black tail and a bill that reddens seasonally. The breeding male is red over most of the upperparts apart from a black eye-stripe, lower belly and wings, with white spots scattered over the body and wing feathers. The non-breeding male is duller and browner, and the female is paler still with less white spotting. Three subspecies are recognised: the nominate amandava, flavidiventris and punicea. Both the specific name and the English name avadavat derive from Ahmedabad in India, from where the birds were once exported. It has been kept in Europe since the 18th century and remains a popular estrildid. Breeding takes place in the monsoon season.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Red Avadavat lives 5-7 years.
The Red Avadavat grows to 9-10.5cm.
Origin
Grassland and wetland edges of South and Southeast Asia (Pakistan to India, Myanmar to Indochina, Java and Bali)
Lifespan
5-7 years
Size
9-10.5cm
Temperature
15〜30℃
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Amandava amandava (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: Fringilla amandava, Estrilda amandava
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Amandava amandava. The family Estrildidae is not listed in the CITES Appendices, so this species is not covered. The IUCN assesses it as Least Concern.
Sources: CITES Appendices (Estrildidae not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Humidity
40〜60%
Mixed seed, spray millet, greens, small livefood when breeding
Provide a wide cage or small flight cage with perches and cover arranged to mimic a grass thicket.
Peaceable and compatible with other estrildids, though breeding males become assertive towards rival males.
The song is thin and clear and quiet in volume, and contact calls are given frequently.
The red plumage changes greatly with the moult and is dull outside the breeding season; avoid forcing colour with overfeeding or light manipulation.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The average lifespan of Red Avadavat is 5-7 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Red Avadavat typically reaches 9-10.5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Red Avadavat feeds on: Mixed seed, spray millet, greens, small livefood when breeding. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Red Avadavat varies significantly depending on variety, age, sex, and the individual animal's condition. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 28, 2026