Aussie Finch Forum

Jayburd wrote: Spotted Pardelote. Lovely birds, quiet, peaceful, not sure where to get them. Someone must breed them. Not TOO sure what they eat either. Probably insects...

A few years back I tried for months to track down any leads I could on these beauties on behalf of a wildlife park here in Victoria. I dunno' if there are any in captivity anywhere any longer.

As others have said, if you have not kept softbills before, start with some of the more obtainable species. Silvereyes are a great choice and in my experience can be quite bold and trusting once they settle in. Though I have little experience with them myself, I would think of the exotic species Red-Whiskered Bul-Buls and Pekin Robins should make pretty good starter softbills also.

I heard red whstkered bulbuls eat finches
Pekins are about $2000 do a bit out of my range. Decided on a species, won't mention it just yet though. Suspense

I have kept and bred Red Whiskered Bul Buls on several occassions.As recent as 6 months ago when I disposed of my last pair.
I can not recall ever seeing them go near nests let alone attack the chicks.
With numerous small cup shape nests of jacarinis holding chicks which eventually fledged if they liked baby finches these would
be the first to go yet they didn't
Their diet is fruit , fruit and more fruit and when breeding heaps of live food.Sadly people try to feed them on dry seed and it eventually destroys their digestive system.

E. Orix why did you dispose the Bul Buls from your avairies.

Some photos of a friendly little Pardelote.

love them

They were a super friendly little pair. I was working in their patch for about a week. They were about everyday and were not scared at all.

There was tree that had been pushed over for an access track, and the pair were feeding around and in the root ball all week. The bottom photo is him coming out of a tunnel into the roots.

yes interesting how they nest in tunnells like some kingfishers & bee - eaters. You wouldn't think their beaks would be long enough!

iaos wrote:Some photos of a friendly little Pardelote.

Snap.