Red Avadavat

Identification

The breeding male is red with white spots and a red bill. Females and males outside breeding plumage are browner, with a red rump; Strawberry Finch is an alternative common name.

Male & female

Account for the male’s seasonal eclipse plumage before deciding sex. A dull bird is not necessarily female; document calls, age and changes over time.

Nature & behaviour

Native across parts of southern and southeastern Asia, favouring tall grasses, marshy edges and cultivated areas. Introduced populations do not change its native origin.

Cages & aviaries

Plan a sheltered flight with dense retreat and low, clean nest cover. Preserve a dry feeding area alongside cover; a marsh association does not justify wet cage litter.

Diet & feeding

Use suitable small seeds and seeding grasses, plus accepted rearing foods. WFS describes insects, soaked seed and egg food during chick feeding; secure hygienic supplies and verify actual use.

Breeding

Both parents build and incubate a covered grass nest. WFS gives 4–6 eggs, 11–12 days incubation and fledging around 20–21 days. Observe continued feeding after nest departure.

Compatibility

Females may become aggressive to other females when a breeding male is present. A dedicated pair flight simplifies monitoring; bowing can be performed by either sex.

Breeding timeline

Follow the bird, not just the calendar. Published ranges are observation windows; actual parental care and feeding decide the next step.

Reference figures describe the cited observations, not guaranteed captive deadlines. Unverified stages are deliberately left unset; use the care library and a species-informed breeding plan.

Sources & image credits