If you people knew

[CandoAviary]

The painted buntings derived it's common name from an American Indian legend.
They say that the Great Creator ran out of colors when he created this bird so he just painted in patches some of each color that He had left over.

[Ursula]

The painted buntings derived it's common name from an American Indian legend.
They say that the Great Creator ran out of colors when he created this bird so he just painted in patches some of each color that He had left over.

I love that!!!

[Ursula]

I find it interesting that individuals with waxbills and other wild caught african species find fault in catching native species.

It's not as if many of these caged birds weren't wild native species somewhere.

I agree with you i was going to say that but i didnt wanna get into that argument!

I am pretty sure that none of my birds were wild caught, and I am not getting some of my favorite species for that reason...

And if you bring up a topic like this you have to expect responses like these, Javier.

I just think that we have plenty of species that have been bred as pet birds for generations, and I don't think there's a need to catch more in the wilda and a.) expose a lot of birds to certain death because only a fraction survive the catch and transport, and b.) upset our already plenty damaged planet by exploiting its species just for our benefit.

Sorry, that's just my opinion.

[BigBear0007]

Ok! I will jump in and add my two Canadian cents!
It's very hypocritical for us North Americans to say having we should
not keep North American wild caught birds.
But then we buy African, Asian and Australian wild caught birds.

All caged birds came from birds that at one time were wild caught.

In Europe, North American birds are very popular and very expensive.
American Goldfinches are trapped in Mexico and shipped to Europe.

A friend gave me an American Goldfinch that was raised by European Siskins.
A nest of three babies was knocked down in a wind storm.
So he put two babies under a fife canary hen and one under a siskin hen.

Now are those wild birds or are they tame?
Was it better to let them die?
I had that bird for two years till someone stole him from my own back yard.

I am not ashamed for having him and I would love another one.

Jerry

[annague]

Every country is different and what is accepted behavior in each country is also different.

Too often we easily criticize another country's accepted behavior without a full understanding of what it means to live in that country and how people are raised there.

Every country -- including the U.S. (unfortunately) has accepted behavior that is considered deplorable by other countries.

We would all do better to reserve judgement when we have no first-hand knowledge of the circumstances of life in a different country.

The Cuban birds are exquisite, Javier!! I don't mind saying if they were ever available to us in the U.S. I would greatly cherish a pair of each kind!

Thank you for sharing and for the pictures -- and don't worry about getting in arguments -- there will always be arguments but many people will also agree with you.

[JohnBoy]

Cajun folks call the painted buntings "t-pops". When I was a kid and would go turtle hunting with my grandfather t-pops would be all over the place. I rarely see them now.
If it were legal to keep them I surely would have a pair. They are one of the most gorgeous birds in the world. To see them in person is a spectacular sight.

http://www.thepineywoods.com/TPops.htm

[annague]

That is interesting, John Boy! I wonder where the name T-Pops came from?

The buntings are just gorgeous birds for sure -- it's a shame their numbers are dwindling.

[Ursula]

Thank you for sharing and for the pictures -- and don't worry about getting in arguments -- there will always be arguments but many people will also agree with you.

... and we're all here to share opinions, even if we don't agree. Right?

[JavierAMoreno]

yup thanks for the support i respect everyones point of view and opinion!
Your bird might not be wild caught but how do you think you have them at home because they were caught somewhere in the wild first and succefully reproduced!

[JohnBoy]

That is interesting, John Boy! I wonder where the name T-Pops came from?

The buntings are just gorgeous birds for sure -- it's a shame their numbers are dwindling.

I posted a link with it's history.

[cindy]

Early explorers 100's of yrs ago use to travel the world, discover new places and sail home with wild caught birds, reptiles and animals....all for zoos, studies, kings and queens' pleasure and gifts.

Personally I do enjoy the wild bluebirds and finches in the park and would rather see them fly free while I bike past and through their habitat. It is a beauty all it's own and it is relaxing. I adored the little blue birds so much it influenced me in getting finches, it reminded me that I missed having these little birds in my home.

I enjoy both watching the splendor of wild birds and the joy I find in my own finches. Wild birds have a spirit about them, cage birds bring delight....

[kenny]

hi
its strange how names vary from place to place,you call your finches pintailed parrot finches,but in my part of the world they are known as pintailed nonperiels,and i know its the same bird


ken

[nixity]

hi
its strange how names vary from place to place,you call your finches pintailed parrot finches,but in my part of the world they are known as pintailed nonperiels,and i know its the same bird


ken

I've heard them called that before, too

[annague]

Sorry John Boy, I read most of the link and then got interrupted before the part about the origin of the name 'T-Pop'!

Thank you! That is very intriguing information on these beautiful birds. Interesting also that they are known to have done well in captivity since they are mostly seedeaters. They certainly are beautiful!