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The Society finch, also known as the Bengalese finch, is a popular domesticated finch species. They are not found in the wild but are common cage birds. Unlike parrots, these birds don’t talk, but they can sing, entertaining their owners.
These small birds come in a wide variety of colors, including pied, fawn, and chocolate brown. This variation was done by breeders using selective breeding. These finches also live up to their name and tend to socialize with people or birds near or in their habitat.
Society finches are readily available in pet stores and are not that expensive. Due to these factors, they can be a great addition to your aviary.
Species Overview
| Common Name: | Society Finch or Bengalese Finch |
| Scientific Name: | Lonchura domestica |
| Adult Size: | 4–5 inches |
| Lifespan: | 3–7 years |
Origin and History
The history of this species is unclear because unlike many other pet birds, they are not present in the wild. As the only finch that doesn’t live in the wild, they are believed to have been developed in Asia by Japanese and Chinese breeders. This bird is assumed to be a crossbreed of the white-backed munia and the sharp-tailed finch species.
While the Society finch is a popular cage and lab bird, the parent species are not present in zoos or private collections. This is an ideal pet for breeders who want an easy-to-breed bird with an interesting history.
Temperament
Just like their name, these birds are social. They have highly developed parental instincts and breed easily. Due to their social personalities, breeders and zoos use them as foster parents for the chicks of other species. They help in fostering abandoned chicks,1 which is also an essential breeding technique.
Society finches thrive well in the company of other birds and will adapt to living in groups. They are non-aggressive and friendly and have an ideal temperament to co-exist with other bird species. In case of an attack by a more aggressive finch, they’ll be the first to back down.
They are challenging to handle because of their small size. Since these finches are peaceful, they only get startled and start to fly in the enclosure when they aren’t nesting or eating. If they try to bite you, they only deliver a little pinch because they have a small beak.
Among other finch species, they are the most peaceful.
- Quiet
- Easy to care for
- Small
- Non-aggressive
- Good foster parents
- Doesn’t talk
- Shorter lifespan
- Can be challenging to handle
Speech & Vocalizations
Unlike other bird species, such as parrots, Society finches don’t talk or scream. However, they make sounds that sound like chatter, beeps, and warbles. However, they are best known for their singing. The songs vary among individual males and will differ according to the owner who raised the specific bird. Due to this, Society finches have been used in laboratories to study vocalizations. Their songs have a unique syntax and structure.
Over the years, the song production among the Bengalese finch has evolved. Researchers have studied the different ways that these songs are produced and processed in the brain. The studies also include the differences in song production between the male and female Finches. Male songbirds create their own songs through learning, and they have distinct variations. Females are less likely to sing compared to their counterparts.
Society Finch Colors and Markings
Male and Female Society finches come in different color combinations. These can be either brown, white, or tan shades. The most common color mutations are pied: white, fawn, chestnut, chocolate brown, red-brown, white-crested, albino, pearl, and grey. Some of these color variations are sex-linked recessive.
Society finches are sexually monomorphic species, making it hard to distinguish between males and females. The beak is usually two-toned with dark grey on top and silver below.
The feathers around the beak and throat are a blend of black and chocolate brown. The rest of the body, especially the chest and belly area, is primarily off-white with chocolate feathers.
Caring for the Society Finch
Once you get a Society Finch, here are some of the things you need to consider to ensure your bird lives comfortably.
Shelter
Society finches are active birds; therefore, they require a large cage to fly around comfortably. They thrive in a space where they can socialize, sing, and play without feeling crowded. They also jump and fly mostly from side to side; hence, it’s better to have a wide cage over a tall one.
If you install a flight cage, the bar spaces should be small to prevent your bird from escaping, especially since they are tiny. The aviary should also have a nest where your pet bird can sleep and cuddle. Society finches don’t thrive well in cold temperatures; therefore, you should have the temperature at about 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
These bird species need socialization, so they need to be kept together with other finches. However, if your Society finches are for breeding or fostering purposes, you’ll have to house them in individual breeding cages after sexing. When choosing compatible partners, ensure you don’t pair them up with aggressive birds.
Unlike most pet birds, this species doesn’t play much with toys. However, they enjoy swings and ladders. You can install some perches and swings in the cage to keep the bird engaged. However, don’t overcrowd the cage too much, as this hinders them from moving around freely and stretching.
The birdcage should also be placed away from high-traffic areas or areas with temperature fluctuations. Avoid having the cage near the door or next to a heating or cooling system. In addition, the aviary should be in a location free from aerosols and fumes.
Grooming
Society finches enjoy a good bath; therefore, you should provide a shallow plastic bath for them. You should also clean the bath regularly and change the water.
Apart from a bath, you should also trim your bird’s nails regularly. Bird nail trimmers are readily available at pet shops. Also, ensure that you don’t clip into the vein when cutting the nails; this can lead to excessive bleeding, which can be fatal.
Common Health Problems
Society finches are hardy birds. Most of their illnesses are a result of dirt cages or an improper diet. If you provide your pet bird with a proper diet and plenty of exercise, you can easily prevent most illnesses. For instance, albino finches are prone to eye problems. You can avoid any issues by feeding your bird lots of green foods that are high in carotene.
Like other finches, Society finches are prone to two types of parasites. They can get attacked by air sac mites, or Sternostoma tracheacolum, which reside in the respiratory tract. These can be dangerous and even life-threatening if they are not treated on time. The other type of parasite, the scaly face mites or Knemidokoptes pilae, causes scales to appear on the skin. You need to regularly check and observe your Society finch to spot these signs and then get medical help to keep your pet bird alive and healthy.
Apart from mites, these finches are prone to overgrown beaks and nails. These features are manageable as long as you keep them trimmed. Knowing your bird’s behavior is crucial in identifying illness. Signs to look out for include ruffled feathers, lack of appetite, droppings that are not black and white, wheezing, and a weak bird.
Diet and Nutrition
Finches require a good seed mix that includes canary seeds, cereal seeds, and millet. When choosing a diet, it should be a high-quality pelleted diet designed for finches.
You can easily get pelleted foods at your pet store that contain the appropriate nutrients and vitamins. Finches also enjoy greens in their diet, such as dandelion greens, kale, parsley, and spinach.
A seed diet is not balanced; therefore, you should include fresh fruits, vegetables, cooked eggs, and other food items. Your Society finch will enjoy apples, bananas, and apricots. The earlier you introduce new foods, the more likely they are to eat them.
On top of the food, ensure you provide your bird with water every day. Have the food and water in clean bowls to prevent contamination that can affect your bird’s health.
Exercise
The Society finch is an active breed. When looking for a cage, you need to consider these needs and provide enough space for the bird to hop around and fly. By adding perches, ladders, and swings, your bird can fly around and play without any issues.
The flight cage or aviary should also be large enough to handle the bird and protect them from injuring their wings. Broken wings or feet can be a problem for your pet, especially if they have other medical conditions.
Providing enough exercise for your bird is vital in ensuring that they stay healthy and protected from illnesses. Therefore, you need to ensure that the cage is well-suited for your pet. If you have more than one bird, make sure the space is large enough to meet everyone’s exercise needs.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Society Finch
If you are looking for a Society finch, you’ll have it easy. They are readily available in most pet stores that sell birds. You can also get them at bird rescues or breeders. They are mostly available in the three basic colorations. However, you can get tri-colors, crested, or solid colors at the breeder’s.
Since they are easily bred, these tiny birds are inexpensive and could cost you less than $30. Therefore, before settling on a source, you can compare them to ensure you get a healthy bird.
If you go the breeders’ way, ensure you get all the information about the Society finch. Go a step further, and ask for a tour of the facility to verify that the birds are cared for in clean cages and well-fed. In addition, a good breeder should be able to provide documentation and background history to know whether your bird has any potential medical conditions.
When you are ready to adopt or buy the Society finch, you should also budget for the initial supplies you need, such as a cage, perches, food and water bowls, and other key needs.
Summary
The Society finch is a tiny, active, and social bird. Known for their social personality, they co-exist well with other birds and act as an excellent foster parent for abandoned chicks. This bird is low-maintenance and easy to breed; therefore, they can be easily found in pet stores.
Like any other bird, you need to provide your pet with the proper nutrition and ensure that they get enough exercise to stay healthy. This species is easy to manage as long as you provide the necessary housing, diet, and grooming and plan for regular vet visits.
Don’t forget that Society finches are good singers! If you are looking for a whistling companion, this pet bird will keep you entertained.
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Featured Image Credit: timokefoto, Pixabay
