Red Crested Finches

[Tiaris]

E.Orix,
Does the cock usually take a more active feeding role once young have fledged?

[SamDavis]

Good news - hopefully they'll fledge a few.
Interesting observation too. If it's just about filling the chick's crops then why not some random pattern which adds to 21 trips rather than the 6,1,6,1,6,1 pattern E Orix describes. Does seem to indicate some counting ability or perhaps it's just random chance. I'd say we need further data - so keep counting E Orix.

[Myzomela]

Good news - hopefully they'll fledge a few.
Interesting observation too. If it's just about filling the chick's crops then why not some random pattern which adds to 21 trips rather than the 6,1,6,1,6,1 pattern E Orix describes. Does seem to indicate some counting ability or perhaps it's just random chance. I'd say we need further data - so keep counting E Orix.

Perhaps the ratio is also important ie at this particular stage of growth the parent knows that the chick requires mostly insect protein with a small amount of vegetable/seed matter?
Who really knows. As you say, long term figures would be very interesting.

The article by you Myzo I presume.

Not on red-cresteds...

[E Orix]

I have just spent some time watching the Red Crested and todays method of feeding is totally different.
There are 2 fully feathered chicks sitting on the edge of the nest,I doubt if they will fly today but soon I would say.
They still have some white whispy strands of down on their heads.I think the cockbird is trying to cox them out but not sure
if the female is as keen as yet.He is the only one of the pair going to the Mealworm tray regularly but only picking out the Crystalis and then flying
near the nest and calling,I guess offering a reward if they fledge but after awhile he gives up and flys to the nest and feeds a chick.
The female is still going back and forth but what she is feeding them I do not know as she is rarely comming to feed station.
Also I noticed that the hen removed a faecal sack after she fed a chick.I know the chicks fledge in my opinion under done but generally survive
Lets hope the rain stays away for at least the next 48 hours.
As for the male increasing his family duties, I doubt it.

[Lukec]

Keep the updates coming, i am sitting on the edge of my seat.

These are birds i hope to keep one day.

[spanna]

Great work E orix, very interesting to hear their peculiar habits. Everything crossed for healthy babies for you!

[E Orix]

With Camera in hand I intended to try for at least one photo of the young on the nest edge but I was too late, the the cockbird was right they have fledged and gone into their secluded spot some where. I did take some photos of the nest site but not too close as they may be at foot and I have no intention of disturbing them. Hopefully in a couple of weeks I will see them at the feed station.

[finchbreeder]

So pleased to hear that you have 2 fledglings. Congratulations.
LML

[arthur]

red cresteds close up nest.jpg

red crested baby.jpg

Pix from happier times

I think that my RC's were 'too close' . . but they could be extremely frustrating little B's (birds)

[Lukec]

That is possibly the most woefully constructed cup nest i have ever seen.