Spice Finch - India to Southern China

Scientific Name: Lonchura punctulata

Hen

Cock

Size: 4 - 5 “   Song: Male sings a warbling hum

Cock and Hen:  Spice Finches are Dimorphic meaning the sexes look alike. Back, head, and neck are chocolate brown, chest dark brown and white lacing fading to white on underparts, dark beak,  tail dark brown medium long. Male sings a warbling song. Female does not have a song. Sexing is difficult but when both sexes are side by side the male will have a slightly larger beak. Claws will need regular trimming. Peaceful and beautiful the Spice Finch is a favorite cage bird. Can be kept in spacious cage in pairs or in  aviaries in groups or mixed species. Hardy, quiet, and easy to care for.

Diet: Finch seed mix, greens, vegetables, fruit, soak seed and sprouts, boiled egg, softfood supplements.  Free choice grit and cuttlebone. Feed a good quality rearing softfood and boiled egg during chick rearing.

Breeding: Open wicker nest or nest box. Preferred building materials: Dried grasses, coconut fiber, sisal, nest lined with feathers, sharpi cotton.

Eggs: 4 - 6 small white.  Incubate: 14 days.

Fledge: 16 - 18 days.