Aussie Finch Forum

Hi everyone hope you and your birds are well! I drive through the kangaroo ground's area each day here in VIC, I see this seeding plant/weed in large numbers. Does anyone know what it is called? And is it safe and or popular with aviary birds as far as food goes, is it nutritious in anyway? Thankyou so much

It is Phalaris same family of canary seed. But don't feed it green as it is toxic so best to pick and let it dry out and catch the seed in a seed bag. Finches struggle to extract the seeds from the green heads anyway.

No idea. Are you seeing wild birds eating it?
This is usually a good indicator.

Thanks guys!!!!! I leave it be then , Yes good point, but no haven't seen any of the locals eating it..... perhaps that's why.... maybe some grain spilled from transport or something.... it's fairly prevalent there

What Graig52 said.
Phalaris is grown as a pasture for stock feed which is why its common roadside.

Stu wrote: ↑03 Dec 2023, 21:27 What Graig52 said.
Phalaris is grown as a pasture for stock feed which is why its common roadside.

Interesting, yes plenty of stock to feed around there thanks guys I knew you would be all over it

Actually I have 1 more for your knowledgable brains! I found this one near warrandyte River, I pass this area
each day....it looks promising.. but don't think I've ever seen it before. I'm hoping it's a good one, thanks in advance

Looks like a type of Ryegrass seed and ok to feed finches.

The Avicultural Society of South Australia puts out a seed or grass ID book suitable for birds on their website. It is very well done and illustrated if you are interested at a very low price.