Saint Helena sexing.

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DerekO
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Posts: 28
Joined: 15 Mar 2022, 11:19
Location: Oxenford, Queensland

Hello I have a question about Saint Helena finches.
I have read on this forum that the male has a darker area under the tail.
Trying to get close to mine and inspecting under their tails in my avairy is close to impossible. The 2 birds I have hang out together and make a lot of noise. One chases the other bird around and tries to mount it all the time making a lot of noise. Do I have a pair?
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finchbreeder
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Joined: 27 Jun 2009, 20:00
Location: Midwest of West. Aust. Coast
Location: Midwest of West.Aust.Coast

It sounds like it. But like you - I have always found them not the easiest of birds to sex. Not the least of which is due to the speed with which they zip arround the avairy.
LML
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Craig52
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Joined: 11 Nov 2011, 19:26
Location: victoria

No two males will chase each other usually uttering high pitch like alarm call same when a cock is pursuing a hen to mate. The only proper way to sex them is to catch them and check around the belly or vent area. Cocks have vivid black and hens grey/brown. The red extends from the vent area right up the belly which is a richer red than the hen of which doesn't extend very far. So catch and check is the only way.
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DerekO
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Posts: 28
Joined: 15 Mar 2022, 11:19
Location: Oxenford, Queensland

Thanks for the replies.
I will have to catch them. I have had these birds for a year now and they get termites daily. They should of nested by now.
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Craig52
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Joined: 11 Nov 2011, 19:26
Location: victoria

Derek0 are you able to post pics when catch them up. ?
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