cordon bleu finches description,

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.