Gruppo di specie: Cordon Bleus e Granatieri
Altro nome (s): Blu Waxbill;
Blue-breasted Cordon Bleu Finch;
Angolano Cordon Bleu
Nome scientifico: Uraeginthus angolensis
Lunghezza: 12,5 cm
Vita media: 8 anni
Periodo di incubazione: 12 giorni
Abilità di volo: dopo 21 giorni.
Appearance
Details:
The Cordon Bleu Finch is a stunning little gem that may sometimes be
overlooked because there are actually three closely related species that
casual hobbyists may simply call “Cordon Bleus”. The adult male U.
angolensis, which we will call the Blue Waxbill or Blue-breasted Cordon
Bleu to avoid confusion, catches the eye with his sweet powder blue
face, underparts, tail and rump. The female is somewhat duller, with a
blue face and bib but pale underparts.
Once
you know that there are three species, it is not difficult to tell the
adults apart. The confusion comes from casual hobbyists who are unaware
that they may not always be looking at the same species. We’ll start
with the three easy decisions first. An adult Cordon Bleu with a red
patch on its cheek is the male Red-cheeked Cordon Bleu. An adult Cordon
Bleu with an extensive off-white pale belly is a female Blue Waxbill or
Blue-breasted Cordon Bleu, depending on what name you like best. Any
adult Cordon Blue with a blue crown is a male Blue-capped Cordon Blue.
To
distinguish male Blue-breasts, female Blue-caps, and female Red-cheeks,
let us now look at the underparts. The male Blue-breasted Cordon Bleu
(or Blue Waxbill) has bright blue underparts with a lighter patch in the
center. The female Red-cheek has a substantial blue breast and blue
flanks with a brown patch in the center. The female Blue-capped has only
a small blue bib and mostly brown underparts with perhaps a touch of
blue on the flanks. Whew. If you are in any doubt, always check the
scientific name, or ask someone who has birded in Africa, as a great
many pet hobbyists seem to casually confuse the English common names of
these species.
These
birds need special care, but adapts well under proper conditions. Do
not like the cold and wet and feel good in spacious cages installed in
the house. If you want the summer you can keep them in an aviary housing
and equipped with many plants and must ensure winter warmth and light
they need. Feed mixing them with exotic birds filled with fresh shelled
seeds, soaked grains and small live food. To help newcomers adapt nectar
put them in airtight container for water. Live food is very important
for raising chickens.
Sex determination:
Called
cordon bleu finch, this variety can be easily recognized because
females have brown head. The male has a blue head and chest without red
spots.