Orange Bishop Weaver
BirdCare.com.au
PO  Box 126 Mitcham Vic 3132 ( Victoria, Australia )

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  • Scientific Name: Euplectes orix franciscana
  • Common Name/s: ORANGE BISHOP WEAVER,  ORANGE BISHOP.
  • Sub Species in country / area of origin: Orange Bishop Weaver is a sub-species
  • Origin / Distribution: North-West and East Africa
  • Habitat In Wild: Found along waterways in reeds and grasslands. Have adapted to use farmlands for food.
  • Status In Wild: ?
  • Status In (Australian) Captivity: Rare
  • Age To Sexual Maturity:  Cock birds 2 years,  Hens 1 year.
  • Adult plumage: attained at about ? months
  • Best breeding years (estimate): 24 months - 8th year.  
  • Lifespan (estimate): approx. 12 or more years
  • Sexing: Monomorphic during non breeding season / Dimorphic during breeding season.
  • Mutations: None
  • Availability: Specialist breeders.
  • Temperament: Cock birds can be kept with more than one hen. Require a planted aviary.
  • Cost (Victoria) Per Pair: - Normal colour (Approx.) $1500
  • Description Of Adults:
  1. Length: Approx. 125 - 130 mm (or approx 5 inches)
  2. Colour ( "normal" colour ): Refer photo/s above if available.
  3. Weight: Approx 24 - 25 gms (or almost 1 oz)
Aviary Notes:

Level Of Knowledge Required: Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Specialist Breeders Only.

Government Regulations & By-Laws: Refer to "Government Laws" web page.

Housing Requirements: Click on "Housing birds" web page for full details on the housing of Weavers & Whydahs or read on for specific details for this finch.

Require a large planted aviary for best results.  With numbers of good breeding pairs fairly low, the owner should be prepared to allowing only one pair per aviary and have no other species of birds in that aviary. This will also eliminate the possibility of hybridizing between some of the other weavers.  Cock birds will aggressively guard and protect the nest and the surrounding area.

Prefer a large planted aviary with dense shrubs, tall growing grasses and potted bamboo.  They are not suitable for cages if the intention is to have them breed.

Orange Bishops will hybridize with Grenadiers and other Weavers.

Diet / Feeding: Click on "Weavers & Whydahs" web page for full details on the nutrition of Weavers & Whydahs or read on for specific details for this finch.

Weavers and whydahs are seed eaters that require significant quantities of live food to raise their young.  A variety of insects gives best results e.g. mealworms, crickets, small grass hoppers, small cockroaches, termites, moths etc.

Some fruits (e.g. apple, sweet corn) and some green leafy vegetables can be offered.

A good quality finch seed mix, seeding grasses and a variety of insects are necessary.  Some people supply soaked or sprouted seed.

Basic seed mix should include Canary seed, White French Millet, Japanese Millet, and Yellow and Red Panicum.

Nesting: A basic overview only.

  • Roosting nest: Yes / No
  • Nesting months: December to May.
  • Nesting receptacles: Cock bird will weave a nest.  Hen will line the nest with fine grasses and soft materials.
  • Nesting materials: A dome shaped nest made from finely stripped green grasses and reed like plants.
  • Who incubates the eggs: Hen / cock / both share.

The cock bird will partially build nests waiting for the hen to make her choice.  The hen lines the nest with soft grasses.

Breeding:  Also refer to the "Weavers & Whydahs" web page for more breeding information.

Egg Colour Aqua.  Clutch/s per year 2.  Eggs per nest 2 - 4.  Incubation approx 13 - 14 days.  Fledge approx 3 weeks.  Independent approx another 3 weeks.

A cock bird will pair up with one, two or more hens. With numbers of good breeding pairs fairly low, the owner should be prepared to allowing only one pair per aviary and have no other species of birds in that aviary. This will also eliminate the possibility of hybridizing between some of the other weavers.  Cock birds will aggressively guard and protect the nest and the surrounding area.    

The cock bird has a nuptial plumage during breeding season.  The cock birds usually acquire their breeding plumage about October/November.
Hens have a minimal plumage change through the year.

In an aviary it is generally safe to leave the young in the same aviary after they become independent.

Artificial incubation, hand rearing or fostering will not be covered on this web site.  It is too complex and diverse in nature to be attempted here.  Refer "Specific References" as listed below and "General References" listings.

Health Issues:  Refer  "Avian Health Issues" web page for information and references.

  • Worming and parasite control and Quarantine requirements of new bird/s or sick bird/s are considered to require veterinary advice and therefore not covered on this web site.  Refer "Avian Health Issues" web page option.
  • Avian medicine is advancing at a rapid pace.  Keep updating your knowledge and skills.

General References:  Refer to references listed on "Book References" web page.

Specific References:

  • Australian Aviculture
  • A/A Vol 56 No. 9 Sept 2002 Page 192-196 (Inc photo)
  • A/A Vol 37 No. 7 Jul 1983 Page 162-163 (Inc photo)
  • A/A Vol 25 No. 10 Oct 1971 Page 153-160.
  • A/A Vol 23 No 8 Aug 1969 Page 118.
  • A/A Vol 15 No. 1 Jan 1961 Page 1-3, 14-15 (Inc colour plate).
  • A/A Vol 14 No. 12 Dec 1960 Page 161-162.
  • A/A Vol 12 No 2 Feb 1958 Page 25.
  • Australian Birdkeeper
  • ABK Vol 15 Issue 4. Aug-Sep  2002  Page 202-205.
  • ABK Vol 11  Issue 4. Aug-Sept  1998  Page 176-179
  • ABK Vol  5  Issue 5. Oct-Nov  1992  Page 222-224
  • ABK Vol  4  Issue 12. Dec-Jan  1992  Page 564-567
  • ABK Vol  4  Issue 7.  Feb-Mar 1991  Page 305-308

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