The Green Singing Finch

(Serinus mozambicus)

Suitability: The Green singer is an African and the closest relation to the domestic canary that we have in our aviaries and they are renowned for their friendly nature and liveliness in the aviary. However, they can tend to dominate weaker species and are best kept as single pairs in the mixed collection as even trios in this species is a recipe for disaster!
They will often take over prime nesting spots and aren’t fussy where they steal their nesting materials from! They are partial to old weaver bird nests.
A standard finch mix, such as Golden Cob, will be readily taken and they are fairly indifferent to livefood except when they have young to feed.

Do well on half-ripe green feed and relish the addition of most green feed to their diet especially when breeding.
Breeding: Construct their own nest on most occasions in the Tea-tree and will even use any type of open nest box. Cotton wool (try and use a natural brand) and coconut fibre are preferred and the supply of these is often enough to stimulate nest building.
Recommended: These finches suit both the beginner and the long-timer although the beginner should be well-versed in the provision of live food! Their nature and displays are such that they endear themselves to the finch keeper. Just remember their tendency to be disruptive if their numbers are allowed to build up or if you attempt to keep them with Cuban finches! A good worming and coccidian regime is also recommended.
Mutations: At the time of writing there is only one that I know of which is where the bird is a cinnamon colour. It is uncertain whether this is a true colour or a dilute but we suspect it is sex-linked.

Permit: A permit is not required to keep these finches in NSW.