Fiji Parrot finches

[David2406]

Hi all
I have just returned from a week in Fiji. I saw quite a number of Fiji Parrotfinches (no camera with me at the time of course). Are these birds available in Australia and if so does anyone know how much they would be?

Here is a wilipedia link to what they look like.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiji_Parrotfinch" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks
David

[GregH]

Most likely you saw the Peales parrot finch From theparrotfinches.com
However if you were lucky you may have seen the Pink-billed parrot finch from ARKive

Peales parrot finches are around in Australia in low numbers but unless you are an advanced aviculturist and rich I don't think it's worth seeking them out. Birdcare lists then at $3000/pr!

[David2406]

Thanks Greg
It was the Peales Parrot Finch that we saw. Wow at that price I don't think I will be getting any. Could fly the family back to Fiji for that sort of money.
Thanks
David

[Netsurfer]

Thanks Greg
It was the Peales Parrot Finch that we saw. Wow at that price I don't think I will be getting any. Could fly the family back to Fiji for that sort of money.
Thanks
David

The last time I saw them was more than 20 years ago, late Tom Gibson had them from Weston near Cessnock. Probably gone now, like many other species.

[Myzomela]

The last 2 I saw was 12 yrs ago, but I have heard rumours of some more being around.
Hopefully they are in the right hands and being bred.

[mickw]

I use to see heaps when I lived there.......I'd sit and watch small flocks of up to 20 or so birds feeding on the ground all throughout suburbia in Suva......even right in town at Government house.......and everywhere in the villages I used to spend time at..........really nice little bird......They behaved quite similarly to our Redheads here on the east coast. I never got to see the Pink Billed though.........might make that a mission next time I go over.