These specialty birds are all captive bred by caring aviculturists.
Common Name |
Gold Breasted, Orange Breasted Waxbill |
Latin Name |
Amandava subflava |
Average Lifespan |
10 Years |
Average Length |
3 Inches |
Average Weight |
7 - 10 Grams |
Song Type |
High-Pitched Chirp |
Noise Level & Vocalization
Monotonous, high-pitched, series of chirps; cocks will sing in the early morning hours starting before dawn, and again at dusk; sometimes they will sing during the day.
Physical Features
Red beak, red or orange-red irides, olive back and wings, olive flanks with yellow or buff bars, bright yellow underbelly, red rump, black tail, pale brown legs. Cocks also sport a red eye stripe. The northern subspecies have fiery orange color on the breast and belly which the southern subspecies tends to lack, although some A. s. clarkei cocks may still have an orange or orange-red patch in the center of the upper breast.
Juveniles are much duller in appearance than adults: buff-brown above, dull buff underparts with a wash of yellow on the breast center, unbarred flanks, orange-tinged rump and uppertail coverts. Brown eyes, black bill.
Aviary Compatibility
Orange-breasted waxbills are peaceful birds that do well in a mixed finch aviary with other placid species. They can be housed as single pairs or colonies.
Diet
A quality seed mix including canary seed, various millets and panicum forms the basis of the orange-breasted waxbill’s diet. Seed lacks many essential vitamins and minerals which must be compensated for by introducing other foods. Sprouting seed increases its nutritional value and is a cheap way to improve your birds health. Freshly grown green seed heads should also be offered frequently.
Some leafy green should be provided throughout the year. Kale, bok choy, endive and silverbeet are the most nutritious and will be readily eaten. Spinach can also be given, but only sparingly as it can contribute to calcium deficiency.
Live food is an important component of the orange-breasted waxbill’s diet and should be provided throughout the year – especially during the breeding season. Mealworms, maggots, termites, and small crickets will be consumed readily. Commercial soft finch food mixes can also be provided for an added nutrient boost, particularly when breeding.
Housing
They like to spend a lot of time on the aviary floor, so care should be taken to keep the substrate clean and dry.
Breeding Information
Age of Maturity |
1 Year |
Breeding Aviculture |
Common |
Average Clutch Size |
3 - 6 Eggs |
Nest Box |
Wicker Basket |
Breeding Life |
3 Years |
Wild Status
Stable - Least Concern