18 H. S. Sewell—Breeding the Painted Finch in Australia


Painted Finches that have built a rough dome-shaped nest among

some gum branches, and another pair that selected a hanging fern

basket out in the middle of an open flight. They burrowed into the

soil in this and made a cup-shaped nest. Incidentally I am inviting

Mr. Harvey to take a moving film of this pair feeding their young;

being right in the open in an open cup-shaped nest, we have a

splendid opportunity for this experiment as one may observe the

young, which are a few days old, from a distance of 6 feet. But

I am of the opinion that a small nest-box is their favourite site.


I consider these finches to be among the hardiest of our birds as

they prefer to roost out during the cold and wet nights of our

winter without any ill effects. For freshly caught birds I consider

this the supreme test of hardiness.


The song of the male bird, if it could be called such, consists of

a peculiar loud clucking noise.


Their food consists of seeding grasses, sprouted seed, aphis, and

small mealworms.


I am now concentrating on breeding the beautiful Firetail Finch

(Zonseginthus bellus). Unfortunately these delicate little finches

require skilful handling to keep them alive, which is no doubt due

to environment and feeding. The Red-eared Firetail Finch

( Z . oculatus) is somewhat similar, but I trust with our increasing-

knowledge of this species we shall overcome these difficulties soon.


I am interested in all rare finches and waxbills; some of the-

foreign birds I have are Melbas, Violet-eared, Roufous-backed

Mannikins, Dufresne’s and Black-cheeked Waxbills, Giant Magpie

Mannikins, Green Avadavats, etc. If I have any further out¬

standing successes later I will be pleased to let you have particulars.


[Our members will always be interested to read of Mr. Sewell’s

successes. That of rearing young of the Painted Finch is a triumph

indeed.— Ed.]



