FINCHforum

So I'm writing this post because every time I purchase a bird (in particular softbills) I can never find any info on them. Such as the other day I purchased a tinkerbird and there is no documentation of them being in captivity. I think I'm going to make it a point to write about our not so common birds in captivity on my free time anyone else have softbills and looking for the challange?

No softbills, but you are correct, it is harder to find information on them. Have you checked the NFSS website?

I have several softbills: 3 species of white-eyes (my faves!), a pair of leafbirds, a pair of minivets, a solo bulbul and a flower-pecker.
They really seem to have gone out of fashion in the West, and most of the few English-language books on keeping them are now quite old.
I had better luck finding books about softbills in German, and pretty good ones at that.

NewTampanian

http://beautyofbirds.com/tinkerbirds.html

Steve

NewTampanian

I envy you the Tanagers, they are lovely birds, and so many different types and colours.
I would so love a pair of Scarlet Tanagers, but they are no where to be found anywhere around here.

Do you find the Tanagers more of a challange to house and feed than finches or waxbills?

~Elana~

I saw someone that had a pair of Silver-billed Tanagers and they are oh so gorgeous but I'm not expanding into any more softbills until I've had some luck with my Amethyst Starlings.

And I completely feel your frustration on lack of information. I can't find much of anything on these beautiful birds. I've even contacted Paradise Earth and have not yet received a reply to an email I sent two weeks ago...