Montane White Eye Finch

[Finnie]

Does anybody have any experience with these?

I saw some for sale at a bird fair this past weekend, and they are quite striking looking. I didn't buy them because I'm not ready to add another species right now, and I know nothing about them anyway. When I tried to look them up on line after I got home, I really couldn't find much information about their care and needs, or what other species they would be compatible with. Well, there was info, but I wanted to know if anybody has any personal experience.

I'll look for a photo link to add.

[Finnie]

Link to photo on internet: http://www.birdproduct.com/wordpress/wp ... te-eye.png

[cindy]

I have seen these at shows a few yrs back....they are tempting and stunning!!!

[Finnie]

This photo came up from Su Yin's website, but it's three years old, and I couldn't find any of her blog posts about them. http://happybirdplacefinchandgrasskeetb ... iends.html

I guess I could write to her to ask. But I hate to bother her. She is always very helpful, but I know how busy she must be.

[Sally]

Su does still have Montane White Eyes, so you could contact her and get some information on them. I have read that they are the best beginner species when you want to expand into softbills, as they are more hardy than some other species.

[Colt]

I was just going to say that I believe Su has them. But Sally beat me to it. ;) They are beautiful birds. Let us know if you decide to get some.

[flywhoaman]

From the Finch Farm owned by Shirley Wilson in Washington who sells them:

The white-eyes, also known as Broad-Ringed White-Eyes, are small passerine birds native to Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Australasia and are of the Zosteropidae family. All the species of white-eyes are sociable, forming large flocks which only separate during their breeding season. They build tree nests and lay 2-4 unspotted pale blue eggs. Due to similarity in gender, The Finch Farm is unable to guarantee sex without DNA testing.

Diet:

Though mainly insectivorous, they eat nectar and fruits of various kinds

http://www.thefinchshop.com/montane-white-eye/

[Finnie]

Diet:

Though mainly insectivorous, they eat nectar and fruits of various kinds

Well this is an extremely helpful bit of information I had not seen yet. I am reluctant to get into a nectar eating species. Until I am ready to get out of breeding altogether and downsize to a smaller flock, I prefer to try to keep species that have the same or similar diet requirements.

They will have to go on the "maybe someday" project list.

[lovezebs]

Sally
Hi. Just have to ask, are these guys 'liquid poopers ' as well? Like the Tanagers?

[monotwine]

Not quite liquid but not a neat solid package either.

I saw some Montane White eye for sale here too and was sorely tempted. I rear and release our SA Cape White eye and they are delightful characters. Hardy, but they need a high protein diet with plenty insects, spiders and lots of fresh fruit.
They are much more maintenance than finches, but less than some soft bills.

[Colt]

My understanding is the poop just isn't a solid as most of the finches we keep. It's looser because there is more moisture in their diet with the insects, fruit, and nectar.

Lories and Toucans have really watery poop, especially if they aren't being fed pellets in addition to all the fruit and nectar. They are beautiful birds, but best in a very large area with washable floors in my opinion. Or maybe dirt.

[Finnie]

Ew, you remind me of our experience at the Indianapolis Zoo a couple of summers ago.

They have walk in aviary exhibits where you can feed budgies in one, and lories in another.

We had a girl with us on this visit, and as we were feeding the lories the nectar from a cup, one of them shot liquid poop all over her leg! It was so gross!! The poor girl just wanted to get out of there and over to the washing up area they thankfully provided.

We were all creeped out as we made our way to the exit, wondering if we would be squirted by any of the other birds.