The world is home to over 50 billion birds, each with its unique characteristics and features that set them apart from other species. From their feathers to their appearance, there’s always something extraordinary about them. Certain birds have iridescent feathers that look like stained-glass windows, while some resemble famous personalities, and others appear like fluffy fruit balls.
Several birds have colours that make them look like apples, including shades of orange, red, and yellow. Some birds have peculiar yellow plumage, while others boast of beautiful green feathers. However, the bird that we’re about to introduce resembles a tiny strawberry. Its exquisite plumage looks so similar to the delicious fruit that you’ll be taken aback when you come across it.
If you’re not familiar with the Strawberry Finch, also known as Red Munia or Red Avadavat, allow me to introduce you to this little bird. They belong to the Silverbill or Munia family and are about the same size as a sparrow. While they may not resemble a strawberry just yet, that’s because breeding season hasn’t started. During this time, the males transform from their usual dull brown hues to a vibrant shade of red with white spots that resemble strawberry seeds all over their body and black wings, as they search for a mate. Originally found in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and India, the Strawberry Finch is truly a sight to behold during their mating season.
The strawberry finch has been brought to Hawaii, Fiji, Malaysia, and other parts of southeast Asia. These tiny birds are only three to four inches in length and prefer living in tall grass near water, meadows, gardens, and clearings in the bush. The male’s striking strawberry pattern only appears when they are ready to mate, while outside of mating season both male and female birds have a dull brown coloration.
Male birds of this species undergo a stunning transformation into a rich red hue with black wings and charming white spots when they are ready. Their striking appearance has made them a popular choice as domestic pets in various parts of the planet. However, if their environmental needs are not met adequately, these birds may lose their enchanting colors.
When it’s breeding season, the female birds also experience some changes in their appearance, although they are not as prominent as those in male birds. Unlike males whose undersides turn red, females become a brighter shade of yellow-orange. Moreover, their beaks turn black during winter and red again when the weather warms up. These birds are monogamous, meaning they stay with their partners for the entire mating season. They were initially found in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and India but have also been introduced to Hawaii, Fiji, and Malaysia, among other parts of southeast Asia. These tiny birds measure only three to four inches and prefer living in tall grasses near water bodies. However, they may also inhabit meadows, gardens, and clearings in the bush.
The male birds of this species only display their dazzling strawberry pattern when they are trying to attract a mate. When they are not in the mating season, both male and female birds have a rather unremarkable brown coloration. It is only when the males are ready to mate that they undergo a transformation, turning into a vivid shade of deep red with black wings and white spots that create their signature “strawberry” look. This striking display has made them popular as pets in various parts of the world. However, if their environmental needs are not met, these birds can lose their vibrant colors. While the females also change during mating season, their transformation is less noticeable than that of the males. Their undersides become a brighter shade of yellow-orange, but they do not turn red like the males.
During the colder months, strawberry finches develop black beaks which turn red again once the weather warms up. These birds are known to remain faithful to their partners for the entire mating season once they have found a mate. Male strawberry finches not only flaunt their vibrant feathers but also hold up blades of grass or feathers in their beaks as they bow to attract females. The females, on the other hand, take their turn to impress their partners after mating by tending to their own needs. They then go ahead to create nests in the grass where they lay a clutch of approximately five to six eggs.
The sight of this bird is a testament to the abundance of wonders in nature. Its intricate patterns are impressive, with the one resembling strawberries being a favorite. If you know anyone who loves cute little birds, make sure to share this post with them and let us know your thoughts in the comments section.