H. S. Sewell—Breeding the Dufresne Waxbill



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was most interesting to watch the old birds enticing their youngsters

back to their elevated nest. On the opposite wall were a few gum

branches and extending from the top of these a perch reached to their

nest: using the branches as a ladder, they gradually coaxed their

family up a few inches at a time and eventually got them home ; two

or three days later the young birds were quite strong on the wing. The

colouring of the young Dufresne’s is similar to an adult hen : head and

nape leaden grey, eyes brownish black, beak all black, but the lower

mandible changes to crimson approximately four weeks after leaving

the nest ; two phosphorescent spots each side at the base of the beak,

back and wing coverts olive green, primaries and secondaries grey

edged with green, upper tail coverts green tinged with red, rump red,

tail black ; throat, breast, and under parts very light grey ; legs

greyish black.


Inside of twelve days the young were independent, and the cock

bird in that time had built again ; incidentally this nest was spoilt by

the young birds, who constantly disturbed the hen whilst sitting.

At that time I was dubious about separating the youngsters, not

knowing they were independent.


The food supply consisted of seeding grasses, soaked seed, and a little

live food, together with the usual dry seeds.


I think the Dufresne’s must be the most affectionate of the Waxbills,

especially the cock bird, who has the untiring habit of preening the

head and nape feathers of his lawful spouse until she becomes

practically featherless on those regions, displaying a most comical

appearance. Although my previous pair had a large flight aviary,

the hen was soon in the same condition.


I believe this species was bred for the first time in England or

Europe some few months ago ; it is therefore mainly my idea in

recording the above achievement to show that members over this side

of the world are also actively engaged in breeding the rarer Waxbills

and Finches.



