finches over parrots? parrots over finches?

[Nrg800]

No Nrg there Softbills.

All of the finches you mentioned are in the family Estrildidae, soft bills are birds that aren't in the family Estrildidae, Fringillidae, Cacatuidae, Psittacidae, Strigopidae and to a lesser extent Columbidae and Phasianidae, though those last two are still technically softbills, they are still commonly kept.

Just because the Waxbill (Estrildidae) isn't Australian doesn't mean it's a softbill. ;)

And yes, Jay did get new birds viewtopic.php?f=48&t=7589" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Edit: Cuban Finches and Jacarini Finches are both in Thraupidae, or Tanagers, The rest of the Tangaer Family are no doubt softbills, so does that mean that These two finches are aswell?

[MadHatter]

I'd have to disagree with you there NRG and master morely.
None of the finches and seedeaters, including the weavers, whydahs, waxbills, grassfinces, cardinals, grassquits, old-world finches and siskins are classed as softbills - because seed forms the staple diet for all the above. The only finch-like birds that I can think of that could be classed as softbills would be the south american tanagers, none of which are held in captivity here in australia.

[Nrg800]

So Viduidae and Ploceidae are also Seed-eaters? I did never know what they were! Thanks!

[MadHatter]

Also the Emberizidae too.

Glad I could be of service.

[finchbreeder]

Getting back to the original question. I am another one of those who's preference is in direct proportion to the size of the bird. The smaller, the more desirable. I grew up round Budgies and Parrots and Cockies. But it's finches and canaries for me all the way. And those sharp beaks are a small part of it too.
LML

[nathan morley]

sorry mad hatter i got confused with waxbills I meant waxbills whats the diffrence between softbills and waxbills?

[djb78]

Having kept parrots for a few years and finches, my opinion would be finches for me, but have a soft spot for the King parrot. Maybe some day I will eventually get a pair.

[Jayburd]

they are beautiful birds
I have a soft spot for lineolated parakeets

[Tintola]

Waxbills are just a sub group of finches, named because most have wax coloured bills (red wax that is, as in the sealing wax used to seal legal documents many years ago). The name Softbills is a loose classification pertaining to their basic dietary needs (not seedeaters).

[nathan morley]

ok thanks.