Guess who got new birds last night?! UPDATE: Jan 29, 2011

[L in Ontario]

And of course I don't have pics here at work so I can't post how beautiful they are. I've never had this kind before - although I know a few of you have a pair of them... I just hope and pray they are a true m/f pair!

[cindy]

Liz...what are they????? Just a little hint please!

[Sally]

Yes, the anticipation is going to kill us! I'm trying to think what species are monomorphic--Lavenders or Yellow-bellied Waxbills? Are we talking African or Australian or Other? Please, hints!

[lovemyfinch]

Ok Liz....long enough....think of all those of us with high blood pressure.

[JohnBoy]

Ok Liz....long enough....think of all those of us with high blood pressure.

Really! I had to take an extra vasotec and paint my nails with bitters.

[Meagan83]

Ok Liz....long enough....think of all those of us with high blood pressure.

Really! I had to take an extra vasotec and paint my nails with bitters.

[lea]

so?

[lovemyfinch]

Still waiting Liz

[jamezyboo21]

..and still waiting some more. Tell us already, I don't think I can't wait any longer.

[lovemyfinch]

Awwww come on...the suspense is killing me

[L in Ontario]

Ahhh you are all too funny!

Sally - you do know finches!

Okay, the first newbie is a replacement for my RCCB hen that I lost a few months ago. Hoping this one lasts longer and gives MORE babies than the other one did. This one is a wild caught and she lets you know it! Hoping she'll calm down a bit in the future too.

[lovemyfinch]

She's pretty Liz. Ok, and well worth the agonizing wait. What is the second one.

[L in Ontario]

Next is the pair that when I saw them at Casey's - I just couldn't leave without them. He had four pairs but this 'pair' looked in the best condition. I'm just praying they are male and female. Apparently about the only way to tell is by their call/song (according to the internet anyway). Does anyone else know any different method of telling them apart?

Yes Sally - you got this pair correct on your first guess. They are Lavender Waxbills! I love the silver/maroon combination (similar but so different from the Black-faced Fire finches).

[lovemyfinch]

What beauties

[Sally]

Oh, they are beautiful, Liz! I have loved the look of Lavenders for so long. I'm told they like fruit, unlike most finches, in fact it is supposed to be almost a necessity with them. Aren't they just the most elegant of birds? I have just purchased a pair, plus an extra hen, if I can ever get up to Seattle to pick them up! We will have to learn how to care for them together.

I've also read you can tell them apart only with the call, and somewhere, someone had posted the call so you would know what to listen for--I'll have to search for that site again. I think Donna has some, so she can give us tips.