Violet Eared Waxbill

Scientific Name: Granatina granatinus

Origin: West and South Africa

Try to gain experience with other, more easily managed waxbill types before keeping the Violet-Eared Waxbill. Although its feathers are rather soft in texture, a bird in good condition exhibits well. Only one pair should be kept in a mixed collection, since the cock is aggressive with other cock birds of his own kind, although tolerant of other birds.

Description:

Size: 13 cm (5 in)

COCK:

Body: dark rich brown. Forehead and rump: deep violet blue. Underparts: chestnut. Cheeks: violet. Tail: black. Beak: red. Legs: black.

HEN:

Similar, but lighter on head, back and under parts. Cheeks: very pale violet, so this bird can he sexed fairly easily. Hens are often in short supply.

Diet: (Seedeater)

The Violet-Eared Waxbill must have a daily ration of insects, ants' eggs, grubs and mealworms. Mixed millets and plain canary seed, millet sprays and some greenfood should also be provided, and grit and cuttlefish bone must always be available. Try to provide as varied a diet as possible.

This species needs extra care in cold weather and sometimes a little extra warmth. It should be protected from sudden changes in temperature.

Violet Eared Waxbill Breeding:

The cock bird has a very pleasant song reminiscent of the lark. The hen also sings, but very softly.

Breeding is difficult: a secluded spot in which to nest and a very varied diet are required. This is one of the few wax bills which must have insect food, even outside the breeding season. Greenfood, such as chickweed, dandelion and groundsel, is useful when breeding. Seeding grasses, mashed hard-boiled egg, cheese, grits, charcoal, finely grated ground egg shells are necessary too. Try to encourage this bird to take fine grade insectile mix.

Three to four eggs are laid and incubation takes 12 to 14 days. The young fledge in three weeks, resembling the hen in appearance. On maturity, at around three months of age, the sexes can be identified. Otherwise, nest building and preparation is the same as with other waxbills.

Violet Eared Waxbill Information

• The bird is extensively found in Southern Africa. The natural habitat of the bird consists of dry thorny areas, bushes, open grasslands, and even found in scrubby regions along streams. The bird can also inhabit in places which is far from the source of water. Under such conditions the bird is known to be feeding on termites as an alternative of moisture.
• Bird is not hardy enough to cope up with the cold winter of the temperate climate. So, during the winter months you are recommended to keep the bird inside the house. If the bird is kept in an aviary, it should have proper heating accommodation.