Common Names: 

• Green Parrot Finch

• Manila Parrot Finch

• Green-Faced Parrot Finch

(Click on the pictures to the right to see larger images)

Sub-species: 

At the moment, no sub-species are known.  

Geographic Distribution: 

In Central and Northern Luzon in the Philippines. Recent reports have revealed birds in Panay and Negros Islands.

Native Habitat: 

Along forest edges and bamboo thickets. They are known to take seeds of different seeding grasses one being Casuarinas and the other Bamboo Seeds. Manila Parrot Finches have also being seen in surrounding parks and gardens in Manila. Not much is known about these shy and timid birds.

Description: 

Length: 4½  inches (12 cm). 

Male: The Manila Parrot Finch is the only member of the genus which has an entirely green plumage on its head. The general body color is grass-green. The upper-parts are generally a darker green. The throat, breast and under-parts are a lighter grayish green. Upper tail coverts and central tail feathers red, very similar to the Pintail Parrot Finch. The beak is black, eyes dark brown, legs flesh colored.

Female: The female if slightly lighter with a grayish green buff on the belly and the under part of the tail coverts.

Avicultural Notes: 

The Manila Parrot finch is very rare in aviculture. This parrot finch has been imported several times with very little success in establishing captive stock. First imports arrived in California 1935 and none made past the first year in a captive setting. Here are a few notes gathered from different breeders.

In captivity the provision of a variety of seeds were provided both soaked and sprouted. Meal worms along with softfood were given but not eaten. The drinking water was supplemented with vitamins.  

1936 California, Mr. W.S. Sheffler was able to get the birds to breed and produce young, but unfortunately the parents and young where lost the following year.  

1966 Europe, Dr. Burchard kept some with no success in breeding.  

1979 Germany, Horst Bielfeld had one pair housed in an aviary which was well planted. Several young where produced and raised for three clutches, but all young died thought to be from parents lack of intent to feed animal protein even thought it was offered. The following season only infertile eggs laid.  

• Clutches per year: 3 

• Eggs : 3 to 4 

• Incubation : 13 to 14 days 

Young are similar to females the plumage is a pale buff or yellowish gray on the underparts of the body.

Mutations:

No mutations are known .

Is the Manila Parrot Finch (Erythrura Viridifacies) among the world threatened species? Click Here

Contact Me: Carlos@TheParrotFinches.com