Zebs or Stars? (warning - photo of dead chicks)

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iaos
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Location: Newcastle, NSW

Hi all,

I found these two neatly place in the grit bowl in the feed station. They are either zebs or stars. I have a stronger feeling for one over the other, but I'll let you try and identify for me.

Cheers
Ian
IMAG1616crop.jpg
IMAG1617crop.jpg
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Tiaris
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Location: Coffs Harbour

Zebs I reckon.
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Craig52
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One has a full crop the other hasn't so they were taken out in spite.I don't think the stars would do that so i reckon they are young stars. Craig
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Shark
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if you open their mouths they have specific markings according to one of Russell kingston's books (or perhaps it's another author, but seen it published)
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Tiaris
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I suggested Zebs due to the amount of down & young normal Stars have black bills & eyes at that stage. Stars usually just have a little white down on the head & a tiny bit on the body - Zebs have much more like the ones in the photo. Skin colour depends on mutation possibilities also. Due you have dilute/fawn/white Zebs or fawn/cinnamon Stars? Comparing the mouth markings with those in Immelman's "Australian Finches" would confirm it.
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iaos
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Location: Newcastle, NSW

Thanks for your replies. Also in the aviary is a 3/4 coloured independent zeb cock and a pair of gouldians.

My first thought was zebs as I expect the stars chicks should be bigger than this. Also this pair of zebs has a bit of history in tossing chicks and only rearing 1 or 2.

I had a look in the mouth this morning. The markings were not exact for either stars or zebs but were closer to zebs.

Cheers Ian
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iaos
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Yes definitely zebs as they fledged a single chick a couple of days ago and the stars eggs never hatched.

The zebs aren't really breeding like zebs. Only getting nests of 1 or 2. If they don't perform any better in the next nest they might be moving on.

Cheers Ian
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