Understanding the Mandarin Finch

The Mandarin finch, also known as the "Mandarin Diamond" or "Australian Estrildid", is a small bird belonging to the Estrildidae family. It is cherished for both its beautiful plumage and its joyful disposition. If you're considering bringing one of these delightful creatures into your home, or are simply curious about them, this guide will delve into their physical and behavioural characteristics, how to welcome one into your home, and even how to encourage them to reproduce.

Origins of the Mandarin Finch

The Mandarin finch, scientifically named Taeniopygia guttata, originates from Australia. Today, due to deforestation, they have adapted to living in urban environments. They are well-equipped to survive in dry climates, with their bodies capable of adapting to water scarcity. In times of thirst, their blood thickens to slow down their overall metabolism.

Their arrival in Europe dates back to the 19th century. The first scientific description of this bird was provided by the French ornithologist Louis Vieillot in 1817. Later, in 1838, the British ornithologist John Gould discovered them in Germany. By 1872, Gould was even discussing the captivity and breeding of these small birds within the country. Initially, it appears they were bred to assist in rescuing chicks of other species that had lost their parents, as the Mandarin finch makes an excellent adoptive parent.

As the 20th century approached, the Mandarin finch became a very popular bird in European aviaries, achieving significant success with buyers. This popularity is no doubt due to their cheerful nature and their striking plumage.

Morphological Characteristics

The domestic Mandarin finch measures between 11 and 12 cm in length and weighs approximately 15g, regardless of whether it is a male or a female. The sexual dimorphism, or the morphological differences between the sexes, is primarily distinguished by the colours of their plumage:

• The male is distinguished by orange cheeks, russet flanks speckled with white, and a chest with horizontal black stripes.
• The female has a greyish back, black and white upper tail coverts, and lacks the speckled cheeks or striped throat. These characteristics make it relatively easy to differentiate between males and females, even for the untrained eye.

Varieties of Mandarin Finch Colours

While initially only grey varieties were found, there is now a wide array of colours available in domesticated Mandarin finches, with around fifty colour varieties currently recognised. Genetic selection has led to widespread dilutions across the entire plumage. Some of the most common varieties include:

Grey Mandarin Finch

This is the most frequently encountered type. It is characterised by its grey colour (except for its white belly), with a neck and tail striped in black, and the tips of its wings are brown.

Black-Cheeked Mandarin Finch

This variety is also predominantly grey but is distinguished by its black cheeks.

White Mandarin Finch

As its name suggests, this variety is entirely white. It's worth noting that in this colour variety, males and females are very similar, making identification sometimes difficult. However, males tend to have a redder beak compared to the female's more orangey beak.

Masked Mandarin Finch

This variety features white and brown plumage with black markings on the tail. When breeding, it is crucial to be cautious about colour combinations. Mating two Mandarin finches with the same dominant mutation can lead to the systematic death of the chicks.

Variations in Form and Feathering

Beyond colour, there are also variations in feathering and form. Some Mandarin finches sport a circular crest on their head, forming a sort of 'tuft'. These are known as "crested" or "tufted" Mandarin finches. The "frizzy" Mandarin finch, on the other hand, will have frizzy feathers all over its body and spirally growing nails. It's important to note that a Mandarin finch can develop frizzy feathers, particularly after a moult, without necessarily possessing the gene for frizziness.

Juvenile Plumage

When young, Mandarin finches do not have their adult colours. Their beaks are black, and their legs are pinkish. These features only turn red-orange once they reach adulthood, typically after puberty.

Temperament and Behaviour

The Mandarin finch is one of the most popular domesticated bird species, and for good reason. They are small, adapt well to captivity, and are both lively and sociable. Furthermore, they are known to reproduce easily.

These birds are highly communicative and dislike solitude. Possessing a gregarious instinct, they need to live in groups; a pair is the minimum requirement for them to feel comfortable. The larger the group, the more balanced their social dynamic tends to be. However, it is advisable to avoid keeping three together, as this can lead to aggressive conflicts. It is generally preferable to house several females with a single male, as this reduces competition and promotes a more serene environment for the females.

Both males and females chirp, but only the male Mandarin finch sings. Their song is particularly pleasant to listen to.

Breeding the Mandarin Finch

Mandarin finches are very prolific breeders, which can become a concern if you do not intend to breed them. To prevent unwanted offspring, consider housing birds of the same sex. Another method to avoid reproduction is to remove all nesting opportunities, such as hiding spots or hollows. You can also try placing fake eggs in feeders or other areas where a female might be inclined to incubate.

Conversely, to ensure successful breeding, provide the pair with privacy during mating and discreetly observe the nest construction and egg incubation process.

Care and Ideal Environment

Hailing from Australia, Mandarin finches are sensitive to cold. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C. If kept in an outdoor aviary, they must have access to a heated indoor space during winter. They are also susceptible to humidity.

A cage for a pair of Mandarin finches should measure at least 60 cm in length, 40 cm in width, and 50 cm in height. In terms of diet, Mandarin finches consume special exotic bird seed mixes containing millet, canary grass, and niger seeds. They also appreciate soft fruits and cucumber. A cuttlebone should always be available to provide them with essential minerals.

Health and Associated Diseases

The Mandarin finch is generally a robust bird. In the wild, their lifespan is typically 2 to 5 years. When domesticated and provided with proper care, they can live up to an average of 9 years.

It is important to be vigilant during the moulting period, as this can be taxing for them. During this time, supplementing their diet with vitamins and mineral salts is recommended.

Mandarin finches can suffer from conjunctivitis or blepharitis, which manifest as irritated and inflamed eyes, sometimes with discharge. Veterinary consultation is necessary in such cases.

They are also prone to intestinal inflammation and leg acariasis. This condition is caused by mites that burrow under the skin of the legs, leading to growths and scabs. Maintaining excellent cage hygiene is crucial for prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular variety of Mandarin finch in Europe?

While specific sales data can fluctuate, the Grey Mandarin Finch is generally considered the most common and widely available variety in Europe due to its classic appearance and hardiness.

How can I tell if my Mandarin finch is male or female?

Look for the male's characteristic orange cheeks, speckled flanks, and striped chest. Females typically lack these distinct markings, having a more uniformly grey or brown plumage.

Can Mandarin finches live alone?

No, Mandarin finches are highly social and thrive in pairs or groups. Keeping a single bird can lead to stress and behavioural issues. It is best to keep them in pairs or small groups.

What should I feed my Mandarin finch?

A good quality seed mix for small exotic birds, supplemented with fresh fruits (like soft fruits and cucumber) and a source of calcium and minerals (cuttlebone), forms a balanced diet.

Are Mandarin finches noisy?

Mandarin finches are generally not considered a noisy species. They do chirp, and males sing, but their vocalizations are typically pleasant and not overwhelming.

What temperature is ideal for Mandarin finches?

They prefer temperatures between 18-24°C. While they can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 10°C for short periods, they are sensitive to frost and require protection from cold drafts and extreme cold.